Automated Sheet Pile Support Bar Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet pile supporting assemblies for sheet material processing machines require manual configuration, leading to inefficiencies and a high risk of collisions between supporting bars and machine parts or tools, necessitating a solution to automate the selection and positioning process to enhance reliability and reduce configuration time.

Innovation Solution

A sheet pile supporting assembly with a movable guiding means and an automatic selection unit, utilizing a scanner to detect geometrical obstacles and select bars that won't interfere with the machine or tools, coupled to a movable guiding means while locking non-selected bars in a stationary position, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration of sheet pile supporting bars is used, then operators can select bars to avoid interferences, but the configuration time is long and the risk of collisions remains high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision preventionVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical selection process with an automated optical scanning and control system. A scanner detects the positions of machine parts and tools, and a control unit automatically determines which supporting bars can be extended without collision, eliminating the need for manual configuration while ensuring accurate collision avoidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sheet pile supporting assembly performs self-configuration by automatically detecting its environment and selecting appropriate bars. The system uses its own scanner and control unit to independently determine the safe configuration without external human intervention, making the system self-sufficient in adapting to different job requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If all sheet pile supporting bars are moved to extended position, then sheet pile support is provided, but collisions with machine parts or tools occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet pile support functionVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the scanner continuously detects the positions of machine parts and tools, and this information is fed back to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback to dynamically determine which supporting bars should be extended, ensuring that the support function is maintained while avoiding collisions with detected obstacles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts the configuration of supporting bars based on real-time detection of machine parts and tools. Rather than using a fixed configuration, the system continuously adjusts which bars are extended based on the current operational context, making the support structure dynamic and responsive to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual selection of supporting bars is performed, then configuration is possible, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidchange-over speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual selection operations with an automated detection and control system. The scanner optically detects the positions of machine parts and tools, and the control unit automatically calculates the appropriate bar configuration, eliminating the time-consuming manual process while maintaining full adaptability to different job requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and configuration determination before the actual sheet pile supporting operation begins. By scanning the environment and pre-calculating the safe bar configuration in advance, the system eliminates delays during operation and enables rapid change-overs between different jobs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12172859B2Sheet pile supporting assembly and method for operating a sheet pile supporting assembly

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 BOBST MEX SA

AI summary

A sheet pile supporting assembly (24) for a sheet material processing machine is presented. It comprises a plurality of sheet pile supporting bars (28) and a movable guiding means for selectively moving one or more of the sheet pile supporting bars (28) from a retracted position to an extended position. Additionally, an automatic selection unit (30) is provided for automatically selecting the sheet pile supporting bars (28) to be moved to the extended position and for coupling the selected sheet pile supporting bars (28) to the movable guiding means. Moreover, a method for operating a sheet pile supporting assembly (24) for a sheet material processing machine is explained.