Panel Production Table With Mechanical Clamping Against Stop

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing production tables prone to failure due to contamination and damage from connecting means, such as nails or staples, which can impair the suction mechanism used to hold panels in place during the assembly of composite panels.

Innovation Solution

A production table equipped with a conveyor belt and movable clamping elements that allow for direct and indirect loading of panels against a stop, eliminating the need for suction nozzles and providing adjustable force to secure panels during processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If suction nozzles are used to hold panels in place, then panels can be secured during assembly, but the suction mechanism is prone to contamination and damage from connecting means

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of panel holding mechanismVSAvoidcontamination and damage from nails or staples
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the suction nozzles from the system and replaces them with a mechanical clamping mechanism. The support surface is designed with integrated clamping elements that mechanically secure panels without using vacuum technology, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of contamination and damage to suction mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the pneumatic suction system with a purely mechanical clamping system. The support surface incorporates clamping elements that use mechanical force to hold panels in place, substituting the vulnerable suction mechanism with a more robust mechanical alternative that is resistant to contamination from connecting means

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual or automatic arrangement of plates is used, then panels can be assembled, but the process is time-consuming and less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speed of composite panelsVSAvoidtime for arranging and positioning plates
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention incorporates preliminary positioning features directly into the support surface, such as alignment guides and pre-positioned clamping elements. These features enable plates to be quickly and accurately positioned without requiring time-consuming manual adjustment, thereby increasing assembly speed and reducing time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support surface is designed with self-aligning and self-positioning characteristics that allow plates to be automatically arranged in the correct positions. The clamping elements and alignment features work together to guide plates into proper placement, reducing the need for manual intervention and increasing overall assembly productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If fixed clamping force is applied to plates, then panels can be secured, but excessive force may cause plates to jump up or deform

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring of plates during processingVSAvoidintegrity of plates under clamping force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements clamping elements with locally optimized characteristics, where the clamping force is distributed across multiple contact points on the support surface. This local distribution of clamping action prevents excessive force concentration that could cause plate deformation or jumping, while still maintaining reliable securing of plates during processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to the specific requirements of different plate configurations. The clamping elements can adjust their force application based on the actual positioning needs, applying sufficient force to secure plates without exceeding the threshold that would cause deformation or jumping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4257314A1Manufacturing table and method for manufacturing panels comprising several panels
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 KEHRATEC
  • EP4257314A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4257314A1 patent drawingFigure 2~2b
  • EP4257314A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates, among other things, to a production table for panels consisting of several plates, comprising a, preferably flat, support surface for the plates, wherein the support surface comprises at least one conveyor belt, wherein the production table has at least one clamping element that can be moved independently of the conveyor belt, and a stop, in particular a strip-like stop, against which the plates can be acted upon using the clamping element.