Robot Gripping for Material Web Loading and Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual handling of material tracks during material discharge and loading in processing machines for rail goods is inefficient and difficult to automate, particularly due to the need for precise coordination and alignment of the free end section.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a robot controlled by a control unit with gripping tools and an overturning device at the material feeding station, allowing for automated material absorption and positioning, reduces the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling is used for material loading and unloading, then flexibility and adaptability to individual situations are maintained, but productivity is reduced and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic material loading and unloading through the robot's autonomous gripping, positioning, and coordination with the conveyor system, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robot system equipped with gripping tools and controlled by a control unit, substituting human operation with automated mechanical and control systems
2Manufacturing precision
If manual intervention is used for material positioning, then precise coordination and alignment can be achieved, but loss of time increases due to manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system autonomously performs the positioning task with high precision through automated control, eliminating manual positioning time while maintaining or improving positioning accuracy through sensor feedback and controlled movement
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit coordinates the robot's positioning actions with the conveyor system, using feedback control to achieve precise alignment of the free end section with the material feed station, reducing positioning time while ensuring accuracy
3Productivity
If automated conveyor system is used, then continuous material conveyance is achieved, but material loading and unloading cannot be performed solely by the conveyor system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the automated conveyor system with a robot system equipped with gripping tools and a control unit, creating an integrated material handling system that combines the continuous conveyance capability of the conveyor with the flexible loading/unloading capability of the robot
Solution Approach 2:
The robot system with gripping tools serves multiple functions: it can load material onto the conveyor, unload material from the conveyor, position the free end section, and adapt to different material configurations, making the system versatile while maintaining continuous operation
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 solution enables fully automated material loading and discharge processes, improving time and cost efficiency, and simplifying integration into automated process chains.
Implementation Method 1
The first gripping tool (30) has a first vacuum gripper, in particular a first vacuum bar with at least one first suction cup, and that the gripping comprises applying a vacuum to the first vacuum gripper, in particular to the at least one first suction cup
Implementation Method 2
the at least one second gripping tool has a second vacuum gripper, in particular a second vacuum bar with at least one second suction cup, and that the positioning comprises applying a vacuum to the second vacuum gripper, in particular to the at least one second suction cup
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the mechanical material loading or unloading of a processing machine (2) for web material, which has a material feed station (14) for conveying a material web (4), comprising the following steps: - a material feed step, comprising bringing a free end section (26) of a material web (4) to a material feed station (14), - a material pickup step carried out after the material feed step, comprising gripping the free end section (26), - a material positioning step carried out after the material pickup step, comprising bringing the gripped free end section (26) to a conveyor (16) of the material feed station (14) or to a material cassette (8), and further comprising aligning the gripped free end section (26) on the conveyor (16) or on the material cassette (8).The processing machine (2) comprises a robot (10) controlled by a control unit (12) and having at least one first gripping tool (30) by means of which the robot (10) automatically performs the material pickup step and/or the material positioning step. The invention further relates to a processing machine (2) for carrying out the method.