Sheet Feeder Suction Control via Optical Stack Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for transferring sheet-like objects, such as veneer sheets, face issues with random width sheets overlapping in a stack, leading to operational disturbances, blockages, and incomplete drying due to incorrect layer compilation and premature loosening of sheets during the transfer process.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus equipped with suction lifting elements and a control system that uses a line-shaped illumination pattern and camera to accurately identify the topmost sheets in the stack, controlling the suction effect to prevent overlapping and ensure proper transfer by activating only the necessary suction lifting devices based on the observed illumination pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If suction gripping devices are used to lift sheets from the stack, then sheets can be transferred efficiently, but overlapping sheets cause premature loosening and mixing of the top layer
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary observation of the stack surface using illumination and camera means before the lifting action occurs. This allows the control device to identify the true topmost sheet and activate only the necessary suction lifting devices in advance, preventing premature loosening and mixing of sheets during transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The camera means observes the illumination pattern created by the light source on the stack surface, and this observed information is fed back to the control device. The control device uses this feedback to determine which suction lifting devices should be activated, ensuring accurate identification of topmost sheets and preventing overlapping transfer errors
2Ease of operation
If manual or machine compilation of random width sheets is performed, then sheets can be arranged to cover the same area, but compilation mistakes cause overlapping and operational disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or machine compilation mechanisms with an optical observation and control system. The light source and camera means create an illumination pattern that reveals the true topmost sheet, and the control device automatically determines the correct lifting configuration, eliminating human error and mechanical compilation mistakes
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the sheets themselves to create the illumination pattern on the stack surface. The topmost sheet naturally reflects or blocks light differently, allowing the system to self-identify which sheet is on top without external intervention, and the control device automatically activates the appropriate lifting devices based on this self-revealed information
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 solution prevents overlapping sheets from being transferred, reducing blockages and ensuring complete drying by accurately identifying and lifting only the topmost sheets, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the veneer handling process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source creating a substantially line-shaped illumination pattern, said illumination being focused adjacent and substantially parallel to a lifting element row
Implementation Method 2
a camera means observing the illumination pattern
Implementation Method 3
separate lifting elements gripping by suction to the upper surface of the sheet-like object to be transferred
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an apparatus for transferring sheet-like objects from a stack, said apparatus including separate lifting elements gripping by suction to the upper surface of the sheet-like object to be transferred, positioned in a row extending over the stack of the sheet-like objects, and transfer elements for transferring the lifted sheet-like object. The suction effect of the lifting elements is controlled by means of a control device including a light source making a substantially line-shaped illumination pattern. The illumination of the light source is focused at an inclined angle to the surface of the sheet stack, substantially parallel to the lifting element row. A camera means for observing the illumination pattern forwards information about the uniformity of the uppermost layer of the stack.