Sheet Stack Handling with Gas Cushion and Independent Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arrangements for handling stacks of sheets in cutting processes are complex and inefficient, lacking adaptability and precision, leading to increased labor costs and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A flexible arrangement comprising a support surface with gas openings, maneuverable side and top clamping devices, and a maneuver unit that allows independent movement and clamping of stacks, facilitated by a gas cushion for smooth handling and precise cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex arrangements of tables and robot arms with grippers are used to handle stacks of sheets, then the sheets can be positioned and cut, but the device complexity increases and handling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a pneumatic system with a support surface containing multiple openings that supply gas to create a cushion underneath the stack of sheets. This gas cushion enables the maneuver unit to easily move and position the stack without complex mechanical grippers or robotic arms, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining high handling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical gripper-based robotic system with a pneumatic field-based system. Instead of using mechanical forces from grippers to hold and move sheets, the system uses a gas cushion to support and enable movement of the entire stack, simplifying the mechanical structure while improving operational ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical grippers are used to grip stacks of sheets, then the sheets can be held and moved, but the adaptability to different stack configurations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic gas cushion system provides universal support for any stack configuration by distributing force across the entire stack surface through multiple openings. This eliminates the need for grippers to be precisely positioned or adjusted for different stack sizes and configurations, enhancing adaptability while maintaining high handling speed through smooth pneumatic-driven movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface with multiple gas supply openings serves multiple functions: it supports stacks of varying sizes and configurations, enables movement across the working area, and provides consistent pneumatic assistance regardless of stack position. This universal approach eliminates the need for specialized grippers for different scenarios, improving both adaptability and productivity.
3Extent of automation
If stacks of sheets are manually handled and positioned, then labor costs are high and safety risks increase, but automation requires complex arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements automation through a relatively simple pneumatic system consisting of a support surface with gas supply openings and a maneuver unit. This pneumatic automation enables automatic picking, moving, and positioning of stacks without complex robotic mechanisms, achieving high automation while keeping system complexity low and thereby reducing labor costs and safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas cushion acts as an intermediary between the support surface and the stack of sheets, enabling automated handling without direct mechanical contact. This intermediary pneumatic field facilitates smooth, contactless movement and positioning, achieving automation with minimal mechanical complexity and improved safety by eliminating the need for complex gripper mechanisms.
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
Enhances handling efficiency, reduces labor costs, improves safety, and achieves precise cutting by allowing adaptable and precise manipulation of stacks, suitable for industries like printing, packaging, and textile.
Implementation Method 1
a support surface being arranged to support said one or more stacks of sheets and being provided with a plurality of openings for supplying a gas underneath said one or more stacks of sheets
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed herein an arrangement for handling one or more stacks of sheets. The arrangement comprises a support surface being provided with a plurality of openings for supplying a gas underneath said one or more stacks of sheets, a maneuver unit being moveable relative to the support surface and comprising two side clamping devices, the two side clamping devices being arranged at a distance from each other. The arrangement further comprises at least one top clamping device configured to exert a downward pressure onto said one or more stacks of sheets. The two side clamping devices and said at least one top clamping device are at least partly independently maneuverable thereby allowing the arrangement to maneuver one stack of sheets and also to maneuver a plurality of stacks of sheets arranged in a row one after the other.