Section Bar Feeding Unit With Movable Clamp and Rollers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing section bar processing machines require a large extraction clamp to accommodate bars of different formats, limiting the use of the roller conveyor and necessitating a long operating cycle with constant operator presence.

Innovation Solution

The machine features independently movable rollers and a dual feeding unit with a longitudinal guide and sliding mechanisms, allowing for optimized transfer of section bars from the cutting station to the belt conveyor, reducing the need for a large clamp and minimizing operator intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the extraction clamp is made large to accommodate section bars of different formats, then the adaptability is improved, but the roller conveyor device length required increases and the operating cycle lengthens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to hold section bars of different formatsVSAvoidoperating cycle duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction clamp is divided into a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion that can move relative to each other along the roller conveyor device. This segmentation allows the clamp to adjust its effective length dynamically, accommodating different bar formats without requiring the entire roller conveyor length to be utilized, thus reducing the operating cycle while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second clamp portion is made movable along the roller conveyor device, transforming the extraction clamp from a static to a dynamic structure. This mobility allows the clamp to adapt its position and effective length based on the specific bar format being processed, enabling faster operation cycles while maintaining versatility across different formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the extraction clamp is made large to accommodate section bars of different formats, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to hold section bars of different formatsVSAvoidstructure of extraction clamp and roller conveyor system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the extraction clamp into movable segments (first and second clamp portions), the system achieves adaptability for different bar formats without requiring a completely oversized clamp structure. This segmented approach reduces the overall structural complexity compared to a single large rigid clamp, while still providing the necessary versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable second clamp portion serves multiple functions: it acts as part of the extraction clamp mechanism and simultaneously functions as an adjustable component that adapts to different bar formats. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the rollers are fixed in position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to optimize transfer for different formats is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of roller mountingVSAvoidability to optimize transfer for different formats
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rollers are designed to be independently movable in the first direction along the roller conveyor device, transforming them from fixed to dynamic elements. This mobility allows the extraction clamp to effectively access and transfer bars of different formats by adjusting the clamp portions' positions relative to the movable rollers, providing optimization capability without significantly complicating the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3912757B1Machine to process section bars, in particular made of aluminium, light alloys, PVC or the like
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 FOM INDUSTRIE SRL
  • EP3912757B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3912757B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3912757B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a machine to process section bars (2), the section bars (2) are transferred from an operating station (5, 22) to a feeding station (8), which has a roller conveyor device (33) and a belt conveyor device (41) arranged so as to feed the section bars (2) in two directions (4, 12) transverse to one another and is provided with at least one transfer device (46) to transfer each section bar (2) from the roller conveyor device (33) to the belt conveyor device (41) .