Parallel Workpiece Feeding Layout With Guided Pick-Up Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current workpiece transport devices require serial feeding and removal of workpieces, which can lead to inefficiencies in processing capacity and handling precision, especially as the processing capacity increases, necessitating improved methods for handling multiple workpieces in the correct order.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece transport device with multiple receiving and removal positions, equipped with signaling means such as optical and acoustic indicators, allows for the correct placement and removal of workpieces based on pre-programmed sequences, enabling simultaneous handling and processing of multiple workpieces in an optimized manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workpieces are fed and removed serially one after another, then the device construction remains simple, but the processing capacity and operational efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece transport device is divided into multiple workpiece receiving positions (first, second, third receiving positions) arranged in parallel, allowing simultaneous placement of multiple workpieces. This segmentation enables parallel processing while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-file serial arrangement to a multi-position parallel arrangement by adding spatial dimensions. Multiple receiving positions are distributed across different locations, allowing workpieces to be processed simultaneously in parallel streams rather than sequentially.
2Productivity
If multiple workpieces are processed in parallel, then processing capacity increases, but the complexity of ensuring correct order and positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates signaling means that provide visual feedback to indicate which workpiece receiving position should be filled next and which position's workpiece should be removed first. This feedback mechanism ensures correct ordering and positioning without requiring complex manual tracking or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The signaling means utilize visual indicators (such as colored lights or visual displays) to communicate the status of different workpiece positions. These visual signals change or activate to guide operators on where to place and remove workpieces, ensuring precision in parallel operations.
3Productivity
If workpiece receiving positions are arranged in parallel, then simultaneous handling of multiple workpieces is enabled, but the device footprint and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple workpiece receiving positions and conveyor paths into a single integrated transport device. By merging these functions into one coordinated system rather than separate devices, the footprint is minimized while still enabling parallel workpiece handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece receiving positions and conveyor mechanisms are arranged in a nested or compact configuration where components are space-efficiently organized. The parallel receiving positions are arranged to share common structural elements and control systems, reducing the overall device area.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a workpiece feeding device (1) having at least two workpiece receiving positions (2, 3) for a workpiece (4) to be laid in the respective workpiece receiving position (2, 3), and having at least one workpiece removal position (7) for the removal of a workpiece (4), having workpiece conveying means (9) for conveying workpieces (4) that have been laid on in a conveying direction (10) from the at least one workpiece receiving position (2, 3) to one of the workpiece removal positions (7), wherein at least one signaling means (11) is provided for signaling a selected workpiece receiving position (2, 3) in which a workpiece (4) can be laid. The invention further relates to a workpiece removal device and to related methods.