Panel Exit Pickup with Adaptive Tool Guard for Safe Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines for working pieces like wooden panels lack effective safety protection for operators during manual unloading and experience inefficiencies in automatic unloading modes, leading to increased working times and potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that include a protective member capable of moving between positions to cover or uncover the cutting tool, allowing safe manual unloading by operators and efficient automatic unloading by robots, with a logic control unit selecting the unloading mode based on operator presence and automating data exchange for optimized operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective member movements are implemented for manual unloading safety, then operator safety is improved, but working time increases due to unnecessary movements in automatic mode
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member's behavior is made dynamic and adaptive based on the operating mode. In manual unloading mode, the protective member moves to cover the cutting tool during cutting operations to ensure operator safety. In automatic unloading mode, the protective member remains stationary and uncovered, eliminating unnecessary movements and reducing working time. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing protective member behavior for each specific operating context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the protective member based on the detected unloading mode. When automatic unloading is detected, the protective member's position parameter is changed to remain stationary and uncovered. When manual unloading is detected, the protective member's position parameter is changed to move and cover the cutting tool during operations. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize both safety and efficiency for different operating modes.
2Reliability
If protective member is always in position to cover cutting tool, then operator safety is improved, but accessibility for panel pickup is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member transitions from a static always-covered position to a dynamic system that adjusts its position based on operational needs. During cutting operations in manual mode, it covers the cutting tool for safety. During unloading operations, it moves away to allow the robotic arm or operator to access and pick up the processed panel from the output station. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between safety coverage and operational accessibility.
3Reliability
If protective member moves during automatic unloading, then safety coverage is maintained, but working efficiency is reduced due to unnecessary movements
Solution Approach 1:
The protective member is extracted from the mandatory movement sequence in automatic unloading mode. Instead of always moving to cover and uncover the cutting tool, the system extracts this movement action from the automatic mode operation flow. The protective member remains stationary and uncovered during automatic unloading, eliminating unnecessary movements and improving working efficiency while maintaining adequate safety coverage through the system's automatic operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational parameters of the protective member are changed based on the detected mode. In automatic unloading mode, the protective member's movement parameter is changed to remain stationary, and its coverage parameter is changed to remain uncovered. This parameter change eliminates unnecessary movements during automatic operations, improving productivity while the system maintains appropriate safety coverage through its control logic.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for picking up a panel (P) from the exit station (3) of a machine (M) for working panels (P) made of wood, ceramic, glass, fiberglass, plastic, metal and the like, of the type comprising a working plane (21) for supporting each panel (P), said panel (P) being loadable and/or unloadable according to a first or a second loading and/or unloading way; at least one working unit (2) comprising at least one working tool (23) for working said panel (P), at least one locking member (22) for locking said panel (P) during working, at least one protective member (24), capable of preventing the contact between said at least one working tool (23) and an operator, said method being characterized in that when said panel (P) is loaded and/or unloaded according to said first loading and/or unloading way, said method comprises the following steps: 1. placing said panel (P) on said working plane (21) in a predetermined position such as to allow its working; 2. locking, by means of said at least one locking member (22), said panel (P) in a position on said working plane (21); 3. carrying out, by means of said at least one working tool (23), a working of said panel (P); 4. releasing, by means of said at least one locking member (22), said panel (P) locked in the locking step 2.; and 5. picking up said panel (P) worked in said working step 3.; and in that, when said panel (P) is loaded and/or unloaded according to said second loading and/or unloading way, said method comprises the following sub-steps: 1.1 placing, after said placing step 1., said at least one protective member (24) in a first position, wherein said at least one protective member (24) forms a protective barrier of said working tool (23); and 3.1 placing, after said working step 3., said at least one protective member (24) in a second position, wherein said at least one protective member (24) uncovers said working tool (23). The present invention also relates to a machine (M) for working panels (P) made of wood, ceramic, glass, fiberglass, plastic, metal and the like.