Mechanical Sheet Separation by Edge Thickening for Reliable Singulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods struggle to reliably separate plastically deformable workpieces, particularly sheets of stainless steel or aluminum, from a stack due to their non-magnetizability, and fail to create a durable separation gap that persists through subsequent processing stages.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical method involving a forming tool with a forming element that applies force to the workpiece edge parallel to the main plane, creating a thickening perpendicular to the workpiece surface, thereby forming a permanent separation gap.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If suction cups are used to separate sheets from a stack, then sheets can be transferred automatically, but the separation is unreliable for non-magnetizable materials like stainless steel and aluminum

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic sheet transferVSAvoidsheet separation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The forming tool creates a thickening at the sheet edge before the suction cup attempts to separate and transfer the sheet. This preliminary deformation action prepares the sheet by creating a physical gap and mechanical feature that enables reliable separation and subsequent automated handling, resolving the contradiction by ensuring separation success before transfer begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a forming tool creates a thickening at the workpiece edge, then a durable separation gap is formed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation gap durabilityVSAvoidsingulation device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The forming tool is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently positioned and operated alongside the stack of workpieces. This segmentation allows the thickening-forming function to be added without redesigning the entire handling system, thereby improving separation reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If force is applied to create a thickening perpendicular to the workpiece plane, then singulation is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece singulationVSAvoidedge thickening geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The forming tool applies force locally at the edge region of the workpiece rather than across the entire sheet. This localized deformation creates the necessary thickening for separation while leaving the rest of the sheet intact and undisturbed, thereby achieving reliable singulation without compromising the overall manufacturing precision of the workpiece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Ensures reliable singulation of workpieces by generating a durable separation gap that remains intact during transfer and processing, suitable for non-magnetizable materials like stainless steel and aluminum, and is independent of sheet thickness.

Implementation Method 1

applying force to at least one of the adjacent workpieces at an end face of the workpiece edge parallel to the main workpiece plane, thereby compressing it and forming a thickening at the edge that projects perpendicularly to the main workpiece plane relative to the rest of the workpiece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4504437B1Mechanical method and mechanical separating device for separating plastically deformable plate-like workpieces of a workpiece stack, and mechanical feeding device and mechanical assembly for workpiece machining

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 TRUMPF SACHSEN SE

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6

AI summary

Within the context of a method for separating plastically deformable plate-like workpieces (3) of a workpiece stack (2), a separating slot (19) is produced between mutually adjacent workpieces (3), by at least one of the mutually adjacent workpieces (3) being loaded with force on an end side of a workpiece edge (17) parallel to a workplace main plane (4) and, as a result, being compressed with the configuration of an edge-side thickened portion (18) which projects perpendicularly with respect to the workpiece main plane (4) in comparison with the remaining workpiece (3). When loaded with force, the workpiece (3) is at least inhibited, and preferably blocked, against a yielding movement carried out under the action of the force loading. A mechanical separating device is configured to carry out the above-mentioned method. A mechanical feeding device for a functional unit of a mechanical assembly for workpiece machining comprises a separating device of this type. A mechanical assembly for the workpiece machining comprises a feeding device of this type.