Mechanical Sheet Separation by Edge Compression for Oiled Stacks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical feeding devices struggle to reliably separate plastically deformable sheets in a stack, especially when the sheets are oiled or have films, leading to incomplete separation due to bending of adjacent sheets.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical method and device that generates a separating gap between adjacent sheets by applying a force to one sheet's edge, causing it to compress and form an edge-side thickened portion perpendicular to the sheet's main plane, thereby inhibiting evasive movement and creating a durable separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separating suckers are used to lift and separate sheets by pivoting movement, then sheet separation is achieved, but adjacent sheets may bend upward together causing incomplete separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet separation reliabilityVSAvoidsheet bending

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the vacuum-based mechanical lifting system with a magnetic field-based separation system. Magnets are positioned to generate magnetic fields that interact with magnetizable sheets, causing them to separate without physical contact or bending. This substitution eliminates the mechanical forces that cause adjacent sheets to bend upward together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the separating device and the sheets. Instead of direct mechanical contact between suckers and sheets, the magnetic field acts as a mediator to induce separation through magnetic interaction with magnetizable sheets, preventing direct mechanical forces that cause bending.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If vacuum is applied to separating suckers to hold sheet edge, then separation force is generated, but oiled sheets or sheets with films adhere to one another preventing complete separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation forceVSAvoidadhesion between sheets

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the vacuum-based mechanical holding system with a magnetic field-based separation system. The magnetic field generates separation force by interacting with magnetizable sheets, eliminating the need for vacuum adhesion that fails against oiled sheets or sheets with films.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter used for separation from vacuum pressure to magnetic field strength. By utilizing magnetic properties of the sheets rather than surface adhesion, the system overcomes the harmful effect of oils and films that prevent vacuum-based separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If suction frame is placed onto upper side of sheet with retaining and separating suckers, then sheet uptake is achieved, but complex device structure is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet uptake capabilityVSAvoidsuction frame structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex suction frame structure with a simpler magnetic field generation system. Instead of requiring multiple suckers (retaining and separating) arranged in a specific configuration, the system uses magnets positioned to generate appropriate magnetic fields for sheet separation, reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The method ensures a functionally reliable and durable separation of sheets, independent of subsequent processing, and is effective for non-magnetizable sheets like stainless steel or aluminum, with a thickness-independent operation.

Implementation Method 1

acting upon at least one workpiece of the two adjacent workpieces by a force at an end side of the workpiece edge of the at least one workpiece parallel to a respective workpiece main plane, thereby compressing the at least one workpiece with formation of an edge-side thickened portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250025917A1Mechanical method and mechanical separating device for separating plastically deformable plate-like workpieces of a workpiece stack, and mechanical feeding device and mechanical assembly for workpiece machining

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 TRUMPF SACHSEN SE

AI summary

A method for separating plastically deformable plate-like workpieces of a workpiece stack is provided. The workpieces are arranged adjacent to one another and are aligned with workpiece main planes parallel to one another. The method includes separating two adjacent workpieces from one another by generating a separating gap between the adjacent workpieces at a workpiece edge. The generating the separating gap includes acting upon at least one workpiece of the two adjacent workpieces by a force at an end side of the workpiece edge parallel to a respective workpiece main plane, thereby compressing the workpiece with formation of an edge-side thickened portion that projects perpendicular to the respective workpiece main plane with respect to a remaining portion of the workpiece. As the workpiece is acted upon by the force, the workpiece is inhibited against an evasive movement caused by the force.