Puzzle Piece Separation Using Perpendicular Pneumatic Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating puzzle pieces often result in incomplete separation, dust generation, and damage to the image, making it difficult to ensure all pieces are accounted for and usable.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlled movement of puzzle pieces perpendicular to the image plane, using a receiving element with projections and recesses to separate puzzle pieces efficiently and define their arrangement, allowing for targeted and defined separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If puzzle pieces are smashed by rotating rods to separate them, then separation speed is improved, but puzzle pieces may be damaged and dust is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical smashing system (rotating rods) with a pneumatic system that uses air pressure to lift and separate puzzle pieces. This substitution eliminates direct mechanical contact that causes damage while maintaining separation efficiency through controlled air flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic elements (air nozzles, air pressure) to achieve puzzle piece separation. Air is directed at the puzzle pieces to lift them off the carrier plate and separate them from each other, providing a non-contact separation method that avoids damage and dust generation.
2Manufacturing precision
If puzzle pieces are smashed indiscriminately to separate them, then separation completeness is improved, but the image on puzzle pieces is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indiscriminate mechanical smashing with a controlled pneumatic system that uses air pressure to lift and separate puzzle pieces. This substitution ensures complete separation through controlled air flow while eliminating direct mechanical contact that damages the image.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces air as an intermediary medium between the separation mechanism and the puzzle pieces. The air flow acts as a mediator that lifts and separates the pieces without direct mechanical contact, ensuring complete separation while protecting the image from damage.
3Reliability
If puzzle pieces are separated by hand, then damage to puzzle pieces is minimized, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a pneumatic system with air nozzles to automatically separate puzzle pieces. The controlled air pressure lifts and separates the pieces in a manner similar to manual handling, maintaining integrity while dramatically increasing productivity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables puzzle pieces to separate themselves through the action of air pressure. The pieces are lifted and separated by the air flow without requiring external mechanical manipulation, achieving both gentle handling and high productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for producing a puzzle (1) which has a multiplicity of puzzle pieces (3) which, when put together, form the puzzle (1), wherein the method involves an image (2) being laminated or printed on a carrier panel, so that the image (2) defines an image plane on the carrier panel, and the puzzle pieces (3) are punched out of the printed or laminated carrier panel, or wherein the carrier panel is punched and an image (2) is printed onto the punched carrier panel, so that the image defines an image plane on the carrier panel, wherein the puzzle pieces are detached from the punched carrier panel, and separated, in a predefined manner by way of a controlled movement of at least one puzzle piece in a direction transverse to the image plane. The present invention also relates to a corresponding device.