Sheet Overturning Apparatus with Roto-Translation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for overturning large sheets and panels are either complex and costly or rely on manual labor, leading to decreased productivity and reliability due to fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A structurally simple apparatus with two turrets, a loading surface, and grab means that can rotate and translate to collect and overturn individual sheets or panels from a supply station, depositing them in an unload station, allowing for efficient handling and association with processing machines or pallet systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If very complex apparatuses are used to overturn large sheets and panels, then the overturning function is achieved, but the overall dimensions and architectural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the overturning operation into distinct functional modules: a bearing structure for support, roto-translation means for motion, and stabilization/transfer means for positioning. Each module performs a specific function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining overturning capability for large sheets and panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic roto-translation means that enable the loading plane to perform both rotational and translational movements. This dynamic capability allows the apparatus to handle large sheets and panels efficiently without requiring overly complex static structures, as the motion system adapts to the loading requirements.
2Device complexity
If manual labor is used to overturn large sheets and panels, then the apparatus complexity is reduced, but productivity and reliability decrease due to operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to perform the overturning operation autonomously through its integrated bearing structure, roto-translation means, and stabilization/transfer mechanisms. The system serves itself by automatically positioning, overturning, and depositing sheets and panels without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring consistent productivity and reliability.
3Extent of automation
If stack overturning apparatuses are used for small/medium format sheets, then the overturning process is automated, but the apparatus is not suitable for large dimension sheets and panels
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with universal adaptability to handle sheets and panels across a wide range of dimensions. The bearing structure, roto-translation means, and stabilization/transfer mechanisms are configured to accommodate both small/medium format sheets and large dimension panels, allowing a single automated system to perform overturning functions for diverse material sizes without requiring multiple specialized apparatuses.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An apparatus for overturning sheets and/or panels, characterized by comprising: a bearing structure carrying a loading plane 5; roto-translation means for the vertical translation of said loading plane and for the rotation of said loading plane with respect to an axis α; stabilization and transfer means of a sheet and/or panel, the stabilization and transfer means being carried by said loading plane, defining an operating surface 500; grab means 6, being carried by said loading plane, for the transfer of a sheet and/or panel from a supply station, being stopped upstream from said apparatus, on the mentioned operating surface 500; a command and control unit managing said roto-translation means, said stabilization and transfer means and said grab means 6, in order to define for said loading plane, in combination with the activation and/or deactivation of the means listed above, a collection position, an overturning position and an unloading position of a sheet and/or panel to be overturned by said supply station placed upstream from said apparatus, over an unloading station, stopped downstream from said apparatus 1.