Sheet Alignment Plate Control for Precise Single-Sheet Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet processing machines face issues with inconsistent alignment and extraction of sheets due to pivoting of the alignment plate around a horizontal axis, leading to multiple sheets being extracted at once and affecting the gauge setting, which compromises the accuracy and repeatability of the sheet alignment process.
Innovation Solution
The sheet processing machine employs a transfer mechanism with an alignment plate moveable by at least two linear actuators arranged transversely, preventing pivoting around a horizontal axis, and utilizing a support mechanism to maintain an upright position, ensuring accurate and repeatable sheet alignment through synchronized actuator movement and a fixed gauge system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the alignment plate is pivoted around a horizontal axis to adjust its position, then the alignment plate can be repositioned, but the alignment of sheets becomes inconsistent and the gauge setting is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment plate is made movable in the handling direction through linear actuators, transitioning from a static to a dynamic system that can adjust position without pivoting, thereby maintaining alignment precision while enabling repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional pivoting mechanical system is replaced with a linear actuator-driven sliding system, substituting rotational movement with linear movement to eliminate the harmful pivoting effect while preserving adjustability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the alignment plate is pivoted around a horizontal axis, then the position can be adjusted, but the distance of the gauge to the support area level changes affecting sheet extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment plate transitions from a pivoting mechanism to a dynamically adjustable linear position system, allowing the plate to move forward and backward without changing its angular orientation, thus maintaining consistent gauge-to-support-area distance
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting mechanical system is replaced with linear actuators that provide controlled linear movement, eliminating the unwanted change in gauge distance while preserving the ability to adjust the plate's position in the handling direction
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 design ensures precise and reliable alignment and transfer of sheets, preventing multiple sheets from being extracted simultaneously, thereby enhancing the accuracy and repeatability of the sheet processing operation.
Implementation Method 1
The alignment plate is moveable in the handling direction by means of at least two linear actuators which are arranged with a distance to each other with respect to a direction transverse to the handling direction
Implementation Method 2
A drive of the actuators is configured such that the actuators of each pair of actuators are driven synchronously
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a sheet processing machine with an alignment plate at the input. The sheets are piled against the plate, and during each machine cycle, the bottommost sheet is extracted and delivered to a gripper bar of the machine. The alignment plate can move precisely longitudinally and diagonally to adjust the position and the skew of the sheet for correct positioning in the gripper bar. The alignment plate is guaranteed to be kept vertical by using a pair of synchronized linear actuators on each side of the plate. The machine can adapt to varying sheet thickness by adjusting the gap below that plate thanks to a motorized gauge. To even better position the sheets, a set of abutments is provided after the plate, and at a fixed distance to the plate. The abutments are pivoting to get out of the way of the gripper bar when needed.