Panel Unloading Surface Adjustment With Insertable Support Planes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current unloading stations in machining machines require manual intervention or unreliable automatic systems to adjust the surface for varying sizes of machined pieces, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

An automated system with a handling device, comprising a movable arm and storage unit, that adds or removes additional planes between initial planes based on the size of the machined piece, using a toothed and holed band mechanism for precise positioning, and sensors for detection and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual intervention is used to add additional planes in the unloading station, then the surface can be adjusted to prevent piece loss, but time expenditure and operator errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of piece lossVSAvoidtime for fixing additional planes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to automatically detect the presence and size of machined pieces, and the handling device automatically adds or removes additional planes based on detected piece dimensions, enabling the system to adjust itself without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors provide real-time feedback about piece size and position, which the control system uses to determine when additional planes are needed, creating a closed-loop automatic adjustment system that responds to actual operating conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual assembly of additional planes is performed, then the surface can be adapted to piece size, but assembly inaccuracies occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to piece sizeVSAvoidassembly accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical assembly with an automated handling device that uses sensors and controlled movement to position additional planes, substituting human operation with a precision mechanical system

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensor data to create a digital representation of the piece dimensions and automatically replicates the correct plane configuration based on this information, ensuring consistent and accurate positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Extent of automation

If additional mobile planes are automatically added based on piece output sizes, then operator intervention is eliminated, but incorrect positioning of shelves occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic addition of shelvesVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors continuously monitor piece dimensions and provide feedback to the control system, which adjusts the positioning of additional planes in real-time to ensure accurate placement according to actual piece size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the position and number of additional planes based on real-time detection of piece characteristics, allowing the configuration to change flexibly rather than following fixed predetermined positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4005715B1System for the variation of the surface of the unloading station of a machine for working panels and operation method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 SCM GRP

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system (S) for the variation of the surface of the unloading station of a machine (M) for working panels comprising at least one machine (M) for cutting panels in wood, plastic, glass, fiberglass, ceramic and metal, comprising a loading station (1) provided with a supporting plane (11), which extends along a second axis (Y), to support at least one panel to be worked, a working unit (2) in which said at least one panel is cut along a cutting line parallel to a first axis (X) orthogonal to said second axis (Y), an unloading station (3) of said at least one worked panel, provided with a plurality of initial planes (P), arranged side by side and parallel with respect to said second axis (Y) and spaced apart, each being movable along said first axis (X); one or more additional planes (PA) stackable in a storage unit (Z); said system (S) comprises a handling device (D) capable of moving said one or more additional planes (PA) from said storage unit (Z) towards said unloading station (3) and of arranging said one or more additional planes (PA) between said initial planes (P).