Sheet Stack Handling Using Gas Cushion and Modular Clamps
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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 for handling stacks of sheets, allowing independent movement and clamping to facilitate precise handling and cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex arrangements of tables and robot arms with grippers are used, then the sheets can be handled and cut, but the system becomes too complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The handling system is segmented into independent functional modules: side clamping devices for lateral restraint, top clamping devices for vertical pressure, and a maneuver unit for positioning. Each module operates independently but coordinates through the gas cushion system, replacing the monolithic complex robot arm structure with simpler, specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gas cushion system with supply openings that creates a pneumatic field between the support surface and the sheets. This pneumatic mechanism enables smooth maneuvering and positioning of the sheets without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for complex mechanical grippers and reducing system complexity while improving handling efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If grippers are used to grip the stacks of sheets, then the sheets can be maneuvered, but the grippers are not adaptable enough and do not provide efficient handling
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping devices are designed as universal handling components that can accommodate sheets of various sizes and configurations. The side clamping devices can adjust their positioning along the longitudinal direction, and multiple top clamping devices can be arranged to handle different stack configurations, providing adaptability without sacrificing handling speed through the pneumatic cushion mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas cushion system provides adaptable and efficient handling by creating a pneumatic interface between the support surface and sheets. The gas flow can be dynamically adjusted to accommodate different sheet weights, sizes, and stack configurations, enabling both adaptability and high-speed maneuvering without mechanical gripper constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clamping devices are independently maneuverable, then one or multiple stacks can be handled, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamping devices are merged into a coordinated system controlled through the gas cushion mechanism. The side clamping devices and top clamping devices work in unison, with their movements synchronized through the pneumatic field, reducing control complexity while maintaining the flexibility to handle single or multiple stacks independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas cushion system provides self-regulating control for the clamping devices. The pneumatic pressure automatically adjusts to the load and positioning requirements, reducing the need for complex external control systems. The system self-adapts to handle different configurations of one or multiple stacks without requiring proportionally increased control complexity.
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 minimizing sheet movement during the process.
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
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AI summary
There is disclosed herein an arrangement (1) for handling one or more stacks (2) of sheets (3). The arrangement comprises a support surface (10) being provided with a plurality of openings (12) for supplying a gas underneath said one or more stacks of sheets, a maneuver unit (20) being moveable relative to the support surface and comprising two side clamping devices (22), the two side clamping devices being arranged at a distance from each other. The arrangement further comprises at least one top clamping device (30) 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.