Sampling Apparatus for Continuous Sheet Conveyance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sampling methods for semifinished sheet-shaped products being conveyed require skill and often necessitate stopping the manufacturing process, which is undesirable from a productivity standpoint.

Innovation Solution

A sampling apparatus comprising a pressing-up means to elevate and a holding means to secure sheet pieces being conveyed, allowing for easy sampling without halting the manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual sampling is performed on continuously conveyed semifinished products, then sampling can be conducted, but skill is required and the process may need to be stopped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of samplingVSAvoidsampling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A pressing-up means is introduced as an intermediary device between the conveying means and the sampling point. This pressing-up means temporarily elevates the sheet piece from the conveyance course, making it easily accessible for sampling without requiring manual skill or stopping the continuous conveyance process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing-up means is designed to be movable, dynamically engaging with the sheet piece only when sampling is required. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to maintain continuous operation while providing easy access to the sheet piece for sampling by temporarily altering its position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the manufacturing process is stopped for sampling, then accurate sampling can be performed, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesampling accuracyVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying means continues to operate continuously throughout the sampling process. The pressing-up means temporarily elevates the sheet piece for sampling while the rest of the manufacturing process remains uninterrupted, maintaining continuity of useful action and preventing productivity loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing-up means performs preliminary action by elevating the sheet piece before sampling occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures the sheet piece is in the optimal position for accurate sampling while allowing the sampling operation to be completed quickly without stopping the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables efficient and reliable sampling of sheet pieces in motion, facilitating timely evaluation and defect detection, thereby reducing product defects and maintaining production continuity.

Implementation Method 1

a pressing-up means (13) configured to press up a sheet piece (12B) that is being conveyed by a conveying means (11), from below a conveyance course (121) of the sheet piece (12B) to above the conveyance course (121)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3614119B1Sampling apparatus, sheet member manufacturing apparatus, and gypsum building material manufacturing apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 YOSHINO GYPSUM CO LTD
  • EP3614119B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3614119B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3614119B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A sampling apparatus is provided, which includes a pressing-up means configured to press up a sheet piece that is being conveyed by a conveying means, from a lower side of a conveyance course of the sheet piece to above the conveyance course; and a holding means configured to hold the sheet piece pressed up by the pressing-up means.