Sheet Metal Turning Unit Integrated With Conveyor Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet metal processing plants require separate manipulators for turning workpieces, leading to increased operational costs and potential workpiece misalignment, and existing solutions are inefficient and costly due to the use of additional conveyors and multi-axis robots.
Innovation Solution
A sheet metal processing plant with a turning unit that includes a manipulator to lift the bottom side of a workpiece and place the top side on a conveying means, allowing for precise, space-saving, and efficient turning operations, eliminating the need for additional conveyors and reducing operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate manipulators and additional conveyors are used for turning workpieces, then the turning operation can be performed, but the device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the turning function with the existing conveying means by integrating a turning unit directly onto the conveying mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate manipulators and additional conveyors, as the conveying means itself performs both conveying and turning operations through integrated turning devices that rotate workpieces between processing stations
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying means is designed to perform multiple functions: it conveys workpieces between processing stations and simultaneously performs turning operations. The integrated turning units enable the conveying system to handle both transportation and orientation tasks, making the system more versatile and reducing the need for dedicated turning equipment
2Ease of manufacture
If multi-axis robots and additional conveyors are used for turning, then the turning operation can be achieved, but the space requirement and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the turning function into the existing conveying means, eliminating the need for separate multi-axis robots and additional conveyors. This integration significantly reduces the space requirement as no separate turning stations or additional conveying paths are needed beyond the existing processing line footprint
3Ease of manufacture
If the conveying means is made rotatable about the conveying direction, then turning can be performed, but workpiece alignment may become incorrect and damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the turning operation into discrete segments with dedicated turning units positioned at specific locations along the conveying path. Each turning unit performs controlled rotation at designated points rather than continuous rotation, allowing for precise alignment control and reducing the risk of workpiece damage through segmented, controlled turning actions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically controlled turning units that can adjust rotation speed, angle, and timing based on workpiece characteristics and processing requirements. This dynamic control ensures proper workpiece alignment during turning and prevents damage by adapting the turning motion to specific workpiece needs rather than using fixed rigid rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet metal processing plant includes a conveyor defining a receiving surface for a workpiece and a conveying direction in a conveying plane and being embodied for conveying the workpiece, the workpiece having a bottom side and a top side, and a turning unit embodied for turning the workpiece received on the receiving surface from the bottom side to the top side. The turning unit includes a manipulator embodied to lift the bottom side of the workpiece off the receiving surface, to perform a turning operation of the workpiece and to place the top side of the workpiece on the receiving surface of the conveyor.