Passive Object Handling with Stationary Torque Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems for discrete objects, such as mandrel wheel and linear track systems, face limitations in throughput and flexibility due to constraints on object movement and the need for complex connections for power, control, and rotation, which hinder efficient processing across varying printing cycles.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a moveable carrying device with a rotatable handling device that aligns perpendicularly with a drive device along a track, allowing torque induction without active control of axial separation, using magnetic elements, rotating magnetic fields, or friction for rotation, and encoder rings for position measurement, enabling independent movement and rotation of objects across multiple processing stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mandrel wheel systems use in-built servo motors on each mandrel, then object rotation is precisely controlled, but the system requires complex rotating coupling systems for power and control connections
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device is extracted from the moving carrying device and placed as a separate stationary unit at each processing station. This eliminates the need for rotating coupling systems on the mandrel wheel, as the drive function is now provided by fixed stations rather than moving components.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the stationary drive device and the moving handling device. The magnetic field transfers rotational motion and torque without requiring direct mechanical contact or electrical connections, eliminating the need for complex rotating couplings.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mandrel wheel systems index all mandrels at the same time, then synchronization is maintained, but throughput is limited to the speed of the slowest process
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static synchronous indexing of all mandrels to dynamic independent movement. Each carrying device can now move and be processed at different speeds and times, allowing fast processes to operate at full speed without waiting for slower processes, thereby increasing overall throughput while maintaining process coordination through control systems.
3Device complexity
If linear track systems use reciprocating motion for mandrels, then power and control connections are simplified via flexible cabling, but throughput decreases due to return travel time
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the reciprocating motion where mandrels must return to the start position. Instead, carrying devices move continuously in one direction along the track, with each processing station independently providing drive functions. This removes the non-productive return travel time and allows continuous processing, significantly increasing throughput.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more complex carrying systems are developed for greater flexibility, then processing efficiency is improved, but the complexity of providing power and control connections to moveable devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical power and control connections with magnetic coupling mechanisms. The stationary drive devices use magnetic fields to transmit torque and control signals to the moving handling devices without physical contact, eliminating the complexity of moving contacts, rotatable couplings, and flexible cabling while maintaining full control capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the design by eliminating the need for power and control connections to moving elements, enhancing flexibility and throughput by allowing each processing station to independently manage object rotation and position, thereby optimizing the printing process for diverse object geometries and processes.
Implementation Method 1
the drive device generates a rotating magnetic field which acts on the at least one magnetic element of the handling device to produce a torque
Implementation Method 2
the handling device comprises at least one magnetic element, and wherein the drive device generates a rotating magnetic field, which acts on the at least one magnetic element of the handling device to produce the torque
Implementation Method 3
using magnetic elements, rotating magnetic fields, or friction for rotation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an apparatus for handling objects. The apparatus comprises a carrying device (104) that is configured to move along a track (102). A handling device (224) is adapted to hold an object (108) and is mounted to the carrying device (104) such that it is rotatable with respect to the carrying device about a handling axis (226). A drive device (310) is disposed at a position along the track (102) and configured to produce a torque around a drive axis. The carrying device (104) can be moved along the track (102) in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis into and out of a drive position. In the drive position, the handling axis (226) of the handling device (224) is in substantial alignment with the drive axis of the drive device (310) whereupon the drive device induces a torque in the handling device (224) causing the handling device to rotate, thereby causing the object (108) held by the handling device to rotate.