Pneumatic Cam Slowing Device for Sheet Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet slowing devices in receiving stations of machines are inefficient for varying sheet formats and production rates, as they are optimized for specific formats and rely on costly electrical controls or mechanically limited movements, leading to buckling and clogging issues.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic actuator-driven slowing device with a flexible member, such as a brush, that moves between two positions using a linear cam and roller mechanism, allowing for adjustable slowing force and reduced impact violence, suitable for entry-level machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mechanical cam mechanism is used to control the slowing brush movement, then the device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the adaptability to different sheet formats and production rates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cam mechanism adjustable. The cam can be replaced or repositioned to change its profile, allowing the slowing brush movement to be adapted to different sheet formats and production rates. This transforms a static mechanical system into a dynamic one that can accommodate varying operational requirements without increasing overall device complexity.
2Device complexity
If the slowing brush movement is mechanically linked to the pincer bar, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and ability to handle varying production rates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism allows the slowing brush movement to be dynamically adjusted independent of the pincer bar's fixed cycle. By changing the cam profile or position, the system can optimize the slowing brush's speed and timing for different production rates, thereby improving productivity while maintaining relatively simple mechanical architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pneumatic actuator with linear cam is used to control the slowing member, then the adaptability to different sheet formats and production rates is improved, but the device complexity and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic actuator to drive the linear cam mechanism, which controls the slowing member's movement. This pneumatic system provides fast, responsive, and easily adjustable motion control that adapts to different sheet formats and production rates. The pneumatic actuator replaces more complex mechanical linkages, achieving adaptability while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
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
The device effectively slows down sheets of different formats and production rates without clogging, ensuring smooth operation and reducing wear on fragile sheets, approaching the performance of electrically regulated systems at a lower cost.
Implementation Method 1
A drive device moves the slowing member between its limit positions. The drive device for the slowing member includes a pneumatic actuator which acts on a linear cam that pivots about a transverse shaft.
Implementation Method 2
A roller rolls along the surface of the linear cam.
Implementation Method 3
a flexible slowing member that extends transversely to the trajectory of sheets being fed
Data Source
AI summary
A slowing device includes a flexible slowing member that extends transversely to the trajectory of sheets being fed. The member is movable between at least two limit positions, one in which its trajectory encounters that of the sheets, the other in which the slowing member is moved aside from the trajectory of the sheets. A drive device moves the slowing member between its limit positions. The drive device for the slowing member includes a pneumatic actuator which acts on a linear cam that pivots about a transverse shaft. A roller rolls along the surface of the linear cam. The roller and the slowing member are supported by a support that pivots about a transverse shaft.