Panel Transport Frame Layout for Continuous Loading and Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel working machines have complex, cumbersome, and expensive transporting units that cause downtime due to the need to return to the loading station after unloading, as they follow a U-shaped trajectory or other paths to grab new panels.
Innovation Solution
The improved panel working machine features a transporting unit with a first frame sliding along a parallel axis, a second frame rotating 90°, and a third frame integral with the first frame, allowing simultaneous loading and unloading travel, reducing machine width and enabling continuous operation without downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the transporting unit follows a U-shaped trajectory to transport panels from loading station to unloading station, then the panel can be transported and two working operations can be performed, but the machine experiences downtime when returning to the loading station
Solution Approach 1:
The transporting unit is designed so that the unloading travel and loading travel coincide and are performed simultaneously. While one panel is being transported to the unloading station, another panel is being transported to the loading station, eliminating idle time and ensuring continuous operation without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The transporting unit uses a multi-frame structure (first frame, second frame, third frame) that operates in multiple dimensions and directions. The second frame rotates 90° and the frames slide along parallel axes, creating a three-dimensional transport path that allows simultaneous loading and unloading operations to occur in different spatial planes.
2Ease of operation
If the transporting unit uses complex lever mechanisms to follow a U-shaped trajectory, then the panel can be transported along the trajectory, but the mechanisms become very complicated, cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The transporting unit is divided into multiple independent frames (first frame, second frame, third frame), each performing a specific function. The first frame slides along a parallel axis, the second frame rotates 90°, and the third frame is integral with the first frame. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and more specialized, reducing overall complexity compared to a single complex lever mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The transporting unit employs dynamic movements including sliding along parallel axes and rotation of the second frame by 90°. These dynamic, controlled movements replace static or complex lever-based trajectory following, allowing the system to adapt its path through coordinated motion rather than fixed mechanical linkages.
3Productivity
If the transporting unit returns to the loading station after unloading, then it can grab another panel, but the machine width increases and operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The transporting unit utilizes three-dimensional space with frames operating in multiple directions. The second frame's 90° rotation and the parallel axis sliding create a compact spatial arrangement that allows loading and unloading to occur simultaneously in different spatial planes, reducing the machine's footprint while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-frame structure allows nested or overlapping motion paths where the first, second, and third frames are arranged to utilize space efficiently. The integral relationship between frames and their coordinated movements create a compact configuration that minimizes machine width while enabling simultaneous loading and unloading operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Machine (100) for working at least one panel (P); the machine (100) comprises a loading station (1), an unloading station (2), a working station (3); a transporting station (4) where the panel (P) is transported; the loading station (1) and the unloading station (2) are disposed on one side of the working station (3); the machine (100) comprises a transporting unit (G4) that moves said panel (P) in the transporting station (4); the peculiarity of the machine (100) of the invention consists in the fact that the transporting unit (G4) comprises a first frame (5) moved by means of moving means (M5), which move the first frame (5) from a proximal position to a distal position relative to said working station (3); a second frame (7) that is supported by the first frame (5); the second frame (7) rotates around an orthogonal axis relative to the transportation table; a third frame (8) joined with the first frame (6); the transporting unit (G4) also comprises first gripping means (61) supported by the second frame (7) and second gripping means (62) supported by said third frame (8).