Segmented Workpiece Holder for Bag Transport Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial production processes for flat workpieces, such as sack manufacturing, the throughput of workpieces through the work area is reduced due to the need for a workpiece holder to completely release a previous workpiece before holding a subsequent one, limiting the efficiency of machining operations.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece holder with multiple holding sections that can be adjusted and moved independently between holding and open positions, allowing earlier initiation of holding contact with incoming workpieces while previous ones are still being conveyed away, thereby increasing cycle frequency and throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single workpiece holder is used that must completely release a previous workpiece before holding a subsequent one, then the workpiece holder structure is simple, but the throughput of workpieces through the work area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece holder is divided into multiple holding sections (first holding section, second holding section, etc.) that can operate independently. Each holding section can hold or release workpieces autonomously, allowing overlapping operations where one section releases a workpiece while another section simultaneously holds an incoming workpiece. This segmentation enables continuous throughput without waiting for complete release cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece holder brings holding sections into the holding position before the previous workpiece has completely left the work area. The first holding section is moved to the holding position while the previous workpiece is still being conveyed away, allowing the machining process to start earlier and increasing the cycle frequency.
2Productivity
If the workpiece holder waits for complete release of previous workpiece before holding subsequent workpiece, then the holding operation is simple, but the cycle frequency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The holding sections are moved to the holding position in advance, before the previous workpiece has completely left the work area. This preliminary positioning allows the machining process to begin earlier, reducing the idle waiting time between cycles and increasing the overall cycle frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple holding sections enable continuous useful action by ensuring that while one section is releasing a workpiece, another section is simultaneously preparing to hold or is already holding the next incoming workpiece. This overlapping operation eliminates idle time and maintains continuous productive action throughout the cycle.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a method and device for transporting flat workpieces (20, 21, 21'), in particular tubular bag bodies, the workpieces (20, 21, 21') are arranged one behind the other and transported individually or connected in a longitudinal transport direction (x) into a working area (3). A cutting device is provided in the working area (3). From the working area (3), the workpieces (20, 21, 21') are conveyed away in a transverse transport direction (y) oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal transport direction. In the working area (3), at least one workpiece holder (16, 26) extending across the width of the workpiece in the transverse transport direction (y) is arranged, which is adjustable between a holding position and an open position in order to temporarily hold a workpiece (20, 21, 21') located in the working area (3).The at least one workpiece holder (16, 26) comprises at least two holding sections (16a, 16b, 26a) offset from each other with respect to the transverse transport direction (y), which - viewed in the transverse transport direction (y) - can be successively moved from back to front from the open position to the holding position.