Profile Handling Tray with Positioning Stop for Automated Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual handling and logistics between processing steps in the production of profiles, such as plastic injection molded parts, are time-consuming and labor-intensive, leading to inefficiencies in production.
Innovation Solution
A tray system with carriers and a stop for precise positioning of profiles, enabling automated handling and transport, along with a magazine for stacking trays, and a transport device using a conveyor belt and gripper for automated feeding and unloading, allowing for improved automation and flexibility in production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling and logistics are used between processing steps, then flexibility in handling different profile types is maintained, but production time increases and labor costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments profiles into standardized units by placing them in trays with carriers during extrusion. Each tray acts as an independent module that can be automatically handled, stored in magazines, and transported between processing steps. This segmentation enables automated handling while maintaining flexibility, as different profile types can be processed through the same automated system by simply changing the tray contents rather than manual handling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The trays are designed to be self-contained units that automatically present profiles in the correct orientation and position for subsequent processing steps. The carriers within trays automatically hold profiles in defined positions, and the tray structure itself facilitates automatic loading onto conveyor belts and insertion into processing equipment, eliminating the need for manual positioning and handling operations.
2Productivity
If automated handling systems are implemented, then production efficiency increases, but initial investment and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tray system is designed as a universal platform that serves multiple functions: it acts as a carrier during extrusion, a storage unit in magazines, a transport module on conveyor belts, and a presentation device at processing stations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment at each stage, thereby lowering overall system complexity while maintaining high automation and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The trays serve as intermediaries between different processing steps and equipment. Rather than requiring direct integration between extrusion machines, storage systems, conveyors, and processing equipment, the standardized trays mediate these interactions. This intermediary role simplifies system architecture by providing a common interface that all equipment can work with, reducing the complexity of direct equipment-to-equipment integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If profiles are manually positioned for each work step, then adaptability to different profile orientations is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Profiles are pre-positioned in defined orientations within their carriers during the extrusion process itself. The carriers are designed to automatically maintain specific orientations, and trays are loaded with profiles already in the correct position for subsequent processing. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming manual repositioning at each work step while maintaining the ability to handle different orientations by simply reconfiguring the tray loading.
Data Source
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AI summary
To increase the degree of automation in profile manufacturing, a tray (1) for the intermediate storage, handling, and transport of profiles (P) is proposed, comprising: a frame (2) and at least two carriers (3) attached to the frame (2) in a parallel arrangement to each other, in order to hold and/or mount profiles (P) on the carriers (3), wherein a stop (5) is provided at one end of the carriers (3) along their longitudinal extension and/or at one end of the frame (2) to serve as a reference point for the position of the profiles (P). In addition, corresponding magazines and a transport device or a processing device are proposed.