Handling Device for Sheet Metal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating and sorting processed sheet-metal products on machine tools are inefficient, as they require additional devices and complex movements, leading to a non-compact arrangement of machine components and potential interference between finished parts and scrap skeletons.
Innovation Solution
A handling device with movable support elements that grip and separate workpiece blanks and remnants simultaneously, allowing for a compact design and preventing interference by holding the remnants from beneath, with optional gravity-assisted separation and flexible movement adaptation to product thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional devices are used for separating processed products after handling, then separation function is achieved, but device complexity increases and compact arrangement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the separation function with the handling device by integrating movable support elements into the handling device's carrier frame. This merging eliminates the need for separate post-handling separation devices, achieving reliable separation while maintaining compact machine component arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating support elements that can both handle processed sheets and perform separation. The same device structure serves dual purposes: transporting workpiece blanks and separating them from remnants, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If finished parts and scrap skeleton are handled together, then handling is simplified, but interference between parts and scrap occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure into multiple movable support elements that can independently position and hold finished parts and scrap skeletons. This segmentation allows the handling device to manage both components together while preventing interference through controlled spatial separation during the separation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment during the separation process. This dynamics enables the device to maintain simplicity in handling while actively preventing interference by adapting the position of support elements during operation.
3Productivity
If separation occurs after handling on a separate device, then handling and separation are distinct, but process time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separation operation into the handling process itself by equipping the handling device with movable support elements. This integration allows simultaneous execution of handling and separation tasks, eliminating the time loss associated with sequential operations and improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation process is designed to occur continuously during the handling operation without interrupting the workflow. The movable support elements enable separation to be performed as part of the continuous handling cycle, maximizing productivity by eliminating idle time between handling and separation.
Data Source
AI summary
Separating and/or sorting processed workpieces cut from a metal sheet, and the remnant surrounding the workpiece, is performed by holding the workpieces and remnant in a co-planar state after processing, moving the held workpieces and remnant away from a processing area, and then, with the workpiece and remnant still held, moving the workpiece and remnant relative to one another with a separating movement perpendicular to the workpiece plane, to such an extent that the workpiece is displaced outside the remnant.