Plate Ejection Device with Vertical Inversion and Vacuum Holding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ejection devices for plate production systems are inefficient in removing panels with spacers, as conventional squeezing processes are not suitable for concealing spacers in a lower, lateral position, making the ejection process complex and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

The ejection device employs a movement from bottom to top, with an ejection unit that can move vertically or slightly obliquely, using a vacuum holding device or gripping arms to push panels out of the mold frame, and a holding device that can move vertically or horizontally to position the panels, allowing for efficient ejection and placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional squeezing processes are used to eject panels, then the ejection can be performed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming when panels have spacers that need to be concealed in a lower, lateral position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejection speedVSAvoidejection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional ejection approach by using a bottom-to-top ejection direction instead of the traditional top-to-bottom squeezing process. The ejection unit is positioned at the bottom of the mold frame and pushes the panel upward, which simplifies the handling of panels with spacers and enables more efficient ejection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical squeezing process with a vacuum holding and ejection system. The vacuum holding unit creates a vacuum field to grip the panel from below, and the ejection unit pushes the panel upward using controlled mechanical movement, eliminating the need for complex squeezing mechanisms.

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

2Productivity

If a bottom-to-top ejection movement is used, then the ejection process is simplified and quickened, but the holding and positioning of ejected panels requires additional vertical or horizontal movement capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejection speedVSAvoidpanel handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both vertical and horizontal movement to handle panels at different stages of the ejection process. This universal design allows the same device to perform multiple functions: holding the panel during ejection, positioning it vertically, and transporting it horizontally to the desired location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum holding unit acts as an intermediary between the ejection unit and the panel. It temporarily grips the panel using vacuum pressure, enabling controlled transfer and positioning without direct mechanical contact from the ejection unit, thus simplifying the overall handling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach simplifies and quickens the ejection process by enabling the panels to be pushed out vertically, using vacuum or gripping mechanisms, allowing for precise control and efficient handling of panels with spacers, improving the overall efficiency of the plate production process.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum holding device or gripping arms to push panels out of the mold frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3739619B1Plate production system with ejection device
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 SR SCHINDLER MASCH ANLAGETECHNIK GMBH
  • EP3739619B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3739619B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3739619B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4d

AI summary

Device (107) for dispensing plates (2) comprising a mold frame (1) suitable and designed for receiving a plate (2), and an ejection unit (4) for pushing the plate (2) out of the mold frame (1), wherein the ejection unit (4) and/or the mold frame (1) is displaceable in a predetermined displacement direction (R), characterized in that the ejection unit for pushing the plates out of the mold frame is movable relative to the mold frame (1) such that the plates can be pushed out of the mold frame (1) in a downward-to-upward direction, and the device has a holding device (7) arranged above the ejection device for at least temporarily holding the plate (2) pushed out of the mold frame.