Sheet Positioning Assembly With Independent Clamping Fingers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet material positioning assemblies in processing machines are not fast, precise, and cost-effective, with clamping finger actuation units that are complex and subject to high inertia, limiting their speed and application flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A positioning assembly with independent clamping finger actuation units, each controlling a single clamping finger, using biasing means for clamping and lifting actuators for release, allowing for precise, high-speed movement and synchronization or independence of clamping fingers, and incorporating position sensors for flexible application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuation unit is used to control multiple clamping fingers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning precision and speed are compromised due to high inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the actuation system into multiple independent clamping finger actuation units, with each unit controlling a single clamping finger. This segmentation reduces the inertia of each actuation unit, enabling faster response and more precise positioning of individual clamping fingers while maintaining overall system coordination through independent control.
2Speed
If individual clamping finger actuation units are used, then the positioning speed and precision are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the actuation system into independent units for each clamping finger, the patent enables high-speed movement of individual fingers with reduced inertia, while the modular nature of the segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing that can offset the increased number of components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent clamping finger actuation is implemented, then the adaptability for different applications is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The independent actuation units provide granular control over each clamping finger, enabling adaptable configurations for different sheet materials and application requirements. The modular segmented design allows for standardized production of individual units that can be assembled in various configurations, potentially reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased number of components.
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
The assembly achieves precise, reliable, and cost-effective sheet material positioning with high speed and variability, enabling efficient on-the-fly alignment and reduced complexity, suitable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
biasing means (50a, 50b) which are spring elements
Implementation Method 2
lifting actuator (52) configured for moving the clamping finger (38) into the release position
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning assembly (30) for positioning a sheet material, especially at an entry portion of a sheet material processing machine, is described. It comprises a support beam (32) on which at least a portion of a sheet material to be positioned can be placed and a plurality of clamping fingers (38). The support beam (32) is coupled to a drive unit (60) configured for translationally moving the support beam (32) along a travelling direction (y) of the sheet material, translationally moving the support beam (32) along a direction (x) transverse to the travelling direction (y) and rotationally moving the support beam (32) with respect to a pivot axis (z) being perpendicular to the traveling direction (y) and the transverse direction (x). Each of the clamping fingers (38) is coupled to an individual clamping finger actuation unit (40). Moreover, a sheet material processing machine comprising such a positioning assembly (30) is presented.