Profile Tray and Magazine Layout for Automated Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual handling and logistics between processing steps in the production of profiles, such as plastic injection molded parts, are time-consuming and labor-intensive, lacking automation.
Innovation Solution
A tray system comprising a frame with parallel carriers and a stop for precise positioning of profiles, allowing robotic handling and transport, and a conveyor belt system with magazines for automated movement and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual handling and logistics are used between processing steps, then flexibility in handling various profile types is maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The handling system is segmented into modular components: trays with multiple carriers, stops for positioning, and standardized profile interfaces. This segmentation allows the system to handle different profile types through simple reconfiguration rather than complex automated mechanisms, achieving automation while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray and carrier design provides universal functionality to handle various profile types (different lengths, cross-sections) using the same basic structure. The standardized carriers and stops create a multi-functional system that can process different products without requiring complex specialized equipment for each profile type.
2Productivity
If profiles are manually positioned and transported between stations, then adaptability to different production requirements is maintained, but productivity and output per unit time decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Profiles are pre-positioned on carriers with stops that define their exact location before transport. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for time-consuming manual positioning at each processing station, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining precision through the predefined stop references.
3Ease of operation
If automated robotic handling is implemented, then labor costs are reduced, but the system requires precise positioning references that increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The stop structure on the carriers provides self-service positioning for profiles. The physical stop automatically defines the profile's starting position without requiring complex external positioning systems or programming, making the system easy for robots to handle while minimizing the complexity of positioning infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
To increase the degree of automation in the manufacture of profiles, a tray for the interim storage, the handling and the transport of profiles is proposed, comprising: a frame, and at least two carriers which are secured parallel to one another on the frame, in order to retain and/or mount respective profiles on the carriers, wherein a stop is provided, said stop being provided at one end of the carriers in the longitudinal extent thereof and/or at one end of the frame, in order to be used as a reference point for the position of the profiles. Moreover, corresponding magazines and a transport device and a processing device are proposed.