Pneumatic Duct Relocation for Section Bar Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing section bar processing machines suffer from swarf accumulation on pneumatic supplying ducts due to their exposure above the conveyor belt, leading to inefficient swarf discharge.

Innovation Solution

The pneumatic supplying ducts are repositioned to extend under the longitudinal member, housed within a support bracket, and protected by inclined side walls, allowing swarf to be directed onto the conveyor belt while preventing contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pneumatic supplying ducts are positioned above the conveyor belt for easy access and connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the swarf accumulation on the ducts increases and swarf discharge efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connectionVSAvoidswarf discharge efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic supplying ducts are repositioned from a horizontal arrangement above the conveyor belt to a vertical arrangement passing through the base. This dimensional change moves the ducts from the swarf-exposed area to a protected area underneath the base, eliminating swarf accumulation while maintaining connection accessibility through the base openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the pneumatic supplying ducts extend above the conveyor belt, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the ducts deteriorates due to swarf contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduct arrangementVSAvoidduct functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic supplying ducts are extracted from the swarf-exposed area above the conveyor belt and repositioned through the base structure to a clean area underneath. This separation removes the ducts from the harmful swarf environment, preventing contamination and maintaining reliable functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If the pneumatic supplying ducts are positioned above the conveyor belt, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to swarf accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduct installationVSAvoidswarf accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The ducts are routed vertically through the base rather than horizontally above the conveyor belt. This dimensional repositioning places the ducts in a protected space where swarf cannot accumulate, eliminating material loss while keeping the manufacturing process straightforward through standard base penetration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration effectively prevents swarf accumulation on the ducts, ensuring efficient swarf discharge and maintaining the ducts' functionality by keeping them protected from contamination.

Implementation Method 1

two containing walls (22, 23), which extend along the base (3) in the first direction, are mounted on opposite sides of the conveyor belt (21) in the second direction, and are inclined towards one another to direct the swarf onto the conveyor belt (21)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a pair of first pneumatic supplying ducts (30), which are connected to the jaws (19) in order to move them relative to one another between a clamping position and a release position of the section bar (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a pair of second pneumatic supplying ducts (30), which are connected to the braking device (20) in order to move it between a stopping position of the gripping unit (17) along the base (3) and a release position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3406365B1Machine to process section bars, in particular made of aluminium, light alloys, PVC or the like
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 FOM INDUSTRIE SRL
  • EP3406365B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3406365B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3406365B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A machine to process section bars (2) has an elongated base (3), an overhead crane (14) coupled to an upper face (7) of the base (3) in a sliding manner, at least one gripping unit (17) coupled to a side face (9) of the base (3) in a sliding manner so as to grip at least one section bar (2), at least one supplying duct (30) to control the operation of a pair of jaws (19) of the gripping unit (17), and a collecting area (21) at least partly mounted under the gripping unit (17) so as to receive swarf; each supplying duct (30) at least partly extending under the upper face (7) .