Sheet Metal Feed Table Alignment for Automated Side Drawing-In
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for providing sheet metal pieces to a sheet metal bending machine require manual stacking and are time-consuming, as they rely on manual alignment and handling to position the pieces correctly for the side drawing-in device.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that use a sensor and motorized system to detect and align sheet metal pieces on a deposition surface relative to a pick-up position, allowing the surface to be moved automatically to position the pieces under the pick-up device, eliminating the need for manual stacking and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual stacking and alignment of sheet metal pieces is used, then the pieces can be positioned on the deposition surface, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-positioning of sheet metal pieces through sensor detection and automated deposition surface movement. The sensor automatically detects the position of each piece, and the deposition surface is motorized to move and align the pieces under the pick-up device without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical stacking and alignment operations are replaced by an automated system combining sensor detection (optical/electronic) with motorized movement of the deposition surface. This substitution eliminates manual labor while achieving precise positioning.
2Productivity
If manual stacking of sheet metal pieces is performed, then all pieces can be drawn into the bending machine, but significant expenditure of time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system enables continuous operation where the sensor continuously detects piece positions and the motorized deposition surface continuously adjusts positioning. This eliminates interruptions and maintains continuous productive action throughout the sheet metal processing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning and self-alignment operations automatically, enabling the processing line to serve itself without external manual intervention, thereby maximizing productivity and minimizing time loss.
3Device complexity
If a stationary deposition surface is used with stops for alignment, then the setup is simple, but manual intervention is required for positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The deposition surface is transformed from a static, stationary structure to a dynamic, motorized platform capable of automated movement. This dynamic capability enables the surface to actively position pieces under the pick-up device based on sensor feedback, achieving automation while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides real-time feedback on the position of each sheet metal piece to the control system. This feedback loop enables the motorized deposition surface to make precise adjustments and achieve accurate positioning automatically, replacing manual alignment operations.
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 approach significantly reduces the time and labor required to prepare sheet metal pieces for drawing into the bending machine, enabling a more efficient and automated process.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, by means of a sensor, the position of the sheet metal piece, to be drawn into the sheet metal bending machine, on the deposition surface
Implementation Method 2
moving, in a motorised manner, the deposition surface, together with the sheet metal piece that is located thereon and is to be drawn in, relative to the sheet metal bending machine
Implementation Method 3
The side drawing-in device comprises a pick-up device that is movable in the sheet metal bending machine, for example in the form of one or more suction caps, which serves to pick up a sheet metal piece
Data Source
AI summary
Method for providing sheet metal pieces, which are arranged at least in part side-by-side on a planar deposition surface, for drawing into a sheet metal bending machine by means of a side drawing-in device which is arranged on the sheet metal bending machine, wherein the side drawing-in device includes a pick-up device that is movable into the sheet metal bending machine and is intended for picking up a sheet metal piece to be drawn into the sheet metal bending machine at a pick-up position above the deposition surface that can be approached by the pick-up device.