Automated Scrap Removal and Article Stacking in Panel Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for collecting cut panels are laborious and inefficient, as they require manual separation of scraps from articles, leading to heavy and difficult-to-move scrap stacks, which complicates re-stacking and subsequent work operations.

Innovation Solution

A machine with a scrap removal and unloading unit and a collecting organ that uses information from a cutting file to precisely remove and unload scraps from a cut panel, directing them to a collecting station while maintaining article orientation, and then collects and stacks the articles separately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual separation of scraps from articles is performed, then scraps can be removed from panel stacks, but the operation becomes particularly laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of scrap removalVSAvoidtime for scrap separation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The panel stack is processed in segments by dividing it into multiple sub-stacks. The separation device works on one sub-stack at a time, removing scraps from articles in a systematic segmented approach that reduces overall operation time and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the harmful element (scraps) from the panel stack automatically using a dedicated separation device. This device identifies and removes scraps from articles through automated mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual separation and significantly reducing labor and time requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Weight of moving object

If additional engravings are carried out on scraps to reduce their dimensions, then scrap stacks become easier to move, but the process requires additional time and operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of scrap stacksVSAvoidtime for scrap processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of modifying scraps through additional engravings, the invention extracts and removes scraps from the panel stack automatically. This eliminates the need for time-consuming reduction operations while still achieving manageable scrap handling through automatic removal and separate stacking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If operators manually collect articles from panel stacks, then articles can be separated for stacking, but the operation becomes particularly laborious and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproductivity of article collectionVSAvoidease of article stacking
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The separation device performs the collection and separation function automatically without requiring operator intervention. The system serves itself by using automated mechanisms to identify, separate, and stack articles based on their positions in the panel, eliminating manual labor while maintaining high productivity and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3867029B1A machine for collecting, from a cut panel for obtaining predetermined articles, the articles and scraps generated by the cutting of the panel and a machine for actuating the method
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 ELITRON IPM
  • EP3867029B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3867029B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3867029B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for collecting, from a cut panel for obtaining predetermined articles, the articles and scraps generated by the cutting of the panel comprising following steps: making available a cut panel (P) in which predetermined articles (A) and scraps (S) are defined; having available an electronic processor; having available at least a cutting file in which the dimensions, positioning and orientation of the articles (A) and scraps (S) are defined; memorising the cutting file in the electronic processor; positioning the cut panel (P) on a support of a first station; removing, in accordance with the indications of the cutting file, at least one scrap (S) at a time from the cut panel (P) by separating the adjacent cut articles and/or scraps, without altering the orientation and mutual positioning of both thereof, with a subsequent transfer of the at least a scrap (S) into a scrap collecting station.