Panel Processing System Dual Transport Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel processing systems lack efficiency and operator safety, particularly when handling narrow strips, as they require manual handling and interrupt the processing cycle, leading to reduced productivity and potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A panel processing system with a second independent transport device that can move workpieces from the machine table to the removal table, allowing the first transport device to continuously feed new workpieces, enhancing operator safety and cycle efficiency by automating the removal of narrow strips and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of workpieces is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operator safety deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is divided into two independent devices: a first transport device for feeding workpieces and a second transport device for removing workpieces. This segmentation allows each device to specialize in one function, improving safety by eliminating manual handling while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The second transport device acts as an intermediary that automatically removes workpieces from the machine table, mediating between the machining process and the removal table. This eliminates the need for operators to manually handle workpieces, thereby improving safety without requiring complete system redesign.
2Productivity
If the first transport device moves workpieces from machine table to removal table, then workpiece removal is automated, but cycle time increases due to the need to move narrow strips
Solution Approach 1:
The function of removing workpieces from the machine table is extracted from the first transport device and assigned to a dedicated second transport device. This allows the first transport device to continuously feed new workpieces without interruption, eliminating the time loss associated with moving narrow strips and improving overall cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the feeding and removal functions into two independent transport devices, both devices can operate continuously and independently. The first transport device continuously feeds workpieces while the second continuously removes them, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the machining cycle.
3Productivity
If a second transport device is added, then operator safety and productivity improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each transport device is designed to be universally applicable for its specific function: the first transport device handles workpiece feeding while the second handles workpiece removal. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve high throughput with relatively simple, specialized components rather than a single complex device attempting to perform all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport system is segmented into two independent, functionally specialized devices that can operate in parallel. This segmentation improves productivity by eliminating bottlenecks while keeping each individual device relatively simple in design, thereby managing overall system complexity through functional decomposition.
Data Source
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AI summary
A panel processing system (10) comprises: a machine table (12) on which a panel-shaped workpiece (34) can be processed; a feed table (16) arranged on a first side of the machine table (12); a discharge table (20) arranged on a second side of the machine table (12) opposite the first side; and at least one first transport device (32) which can transport a workpiece (34) from the feed table (16) in the direction of the machine table (12) (transport direction 36).It is proposed that it has a second transport device (44) which is separate from the first transport device (32) and which, by means of a gripping section (46), can transport a workpiece (34) lying at least partially on the machine table (12) away from the machine table (12) in a direction (36) from the feed table (16), wherein the second transport device (44) has a rest position in which the gripping section (46) is arranged below a top surface (30) of the feed table (16) and the machine table (12), and has an operating position in which the gripping section (46) is arranged at least partially above the top surface (30) of the feed table (16) and the machine table (12).