Profile Stack Alignment Device Using Vibration and Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices struggle to achieve a reliable and efficient flush alignment of profile stacks, particularly for transport purposes, as they often require additional measures beyond aligning the stack width to ensure alignment with respect to the stack length.
Innovation Solution
A device with a common frame pivotable about a rotation axis, incorporating a stack support, depth stop, and hold-down device, which subjects the profile stack to oscillating movements in an alignment position, utilizing gravity and vibration to separate adhered profiles and align them flush.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If additional measures are taken to align the stack length after width alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines width alignment and length alignment functions into a single alignment unit. The side stops handle width alignment while the depth stop and pivotable frame handle length alignment simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate alignment devices and operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment unit is designed to be pivotable about a rotation axis, allowing it to transition between a receiving position (parallel to insertion plane) and an alignment position (at pivot angle). This dynamic mechanism enables the frame to tilt and align stack lengths efficiently using gravity and vibration.
2Manufacturing precision
If static friction is overcome to separate adhered profiles, then alignment precision is improved, but force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration drive that generates oscillating movements in the alignment unit. This vibration reduces static friction between adhered profiles, allowing them to separate and slide into proper alignment positions without requiring excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration drive applies periodic oscillating movements to the alignment unit, creating repeated small displacements that gradually overcome static friction and enable profiles to slide into alignment positions over time.
3Ease of operation
If the alignment unit is made pivotable to enable alignment movements, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment unit is designed as a pivotable frame that can rotate about a rotation axis between receiving and alignment positions. This dynamic design allows the unit to automatically tilt and align stacks using gravity and vibration, simplifying operation despite the added mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable frame changes its orientation parameter by rotating from a horizontal receiving position to a tilted alignment position at a specific pivot angle. This parameter change enables the alignment function while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
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 ensures efficient alignment of profile stacks by allowing profiles to separate and slide into position using gravity and vibration, minimizing damage and maintaining structural integrity during handling and transport.
Implementation Method 1
the common frame is drive-connected to a vibration drive in such a way that the profile stack in the alignment position can be subjected to oscillating movements pivoting essentially about the rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
the profile stack pre-positioned in the receiving area is pivoted by a pivot angle from a receiving position into an alignment position in such a way that the relative displacement of the individual profiles required for alignment can take place with the aid of gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for aligning a profile stack (1) is described. In order to design this device so that reliable, flush alignment of profile stacks is possible in the most efficient manner possible and with simple constructional means, it is proposed that an alignment unit (2) be provided, into or from whose receiving area (9) the profile stack (1) is fed to or from via an insertion level.can be conveyed away, wherein the alignment unit (2) comprises a stack support (3), a depth stop (4), two side stops (5, 6) which are opposite one another in a stop direction (A) and can be displaced relative to one another, and a hold-down device (8) which is displaceable transversely to the stop direction (A) and interacts with the cover side (7) of the profile stack (1), and wherein the stack support (3), the depth stop (4), the side stops (5, 6) and the hold-down device (8) can be pivoted together about a rotation axis (13) running parallel to the stop direction (A) between a receiving position and an alignment position by a pivot angle.