Panel Dividing Device With Synchronous Feed Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel dividing systems face challenges in achieving high dimensional and angular accuracy due to differences in acceleration, speed, and travel distance between feed devices, leading to dimensional and angular inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A panel dividing system with mechanically coupled feed devices that move synchronously in the feed direction, allowing for decoupling when necessary, featuring a coupling device with a locking element and driver section, and adjustable roller elements to minimize wear and ensure precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two feed devices operate independently to process different cross-sections, then operational flexibility is improved, but dimensional accuracy and angular accuracy deteriorate due to differences in acceleration, speed, and travel distance
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: coupled mode where feed devices move synchronously to ensure high precision, and decoupled mode where they operate independently for maximum flexibility. The coupling device allows real-time transition between these states based on processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed devices are segmented into independently controllable units that can be coupled or decoupled. Each feed device maintains its own drive mechanism and control system, allowing independent operation when decoupled, while enabling synchronized movement when coupled through the coupling device.
2Manufacturing precision
If feed devices are rigidly coupled to ensure synchronous movement, then dimensional accuracy is improved, but forces during coupling and centering increase causing deformations
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the two feed devices. This coupling device includes a coupling element that engages with both feed devices, allowing them to be mechanically linked for synchronous movement while providing a controlled interface that manages coupling forces and minimizes deformations during the coupling process.
3Device complexity
If coupling device components are fixed, then structural simplicity is improved, but wear due to friction during coupling and decoupling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates movable wall sections that can shift position during the coupling and decoupling processes. This dynamic adjustment reduces friction and wear by optimizing the engagement geometry, while the overall structure remains relatively simple and robust.
Solution Approach 2:
The positions of roller elements and wall sections in the coupling device can be adjusted to optimize performance. These parameter changes allow the coupling mechanism to adapt to different operational conditions, reducing wear while maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The machine (10) has two feed devices (24, 26) arranged adjacent to each other for moving plate-shaped work pieces (22a-22e) into and against a third feed device (32). The two feed devices are mechanically coupled with each other in a direction parallel to the third feed device and/or decoupled from each other by a coupling device (40). The coupling device does not couple the two feed devices in directions orthogonal to the third feed device. The coupling device has a locking device and an actuating device arranged at the two feed devices, respectively. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a panel sizing machine.