Sheet Object Transfer Holder with Suction and Linear Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for transferring sheet-like objects, such as cardboard and packaging blanks, face challenges in handling them at high speeds without applying lateral or shearing forces, which can damage the objects, and often result in friction and misorientation.

Innovation Solution

A device with a holder using suction cups that moves along a path defined by a rocker and a rotor, allowing for independent control of two axes to ensure a rectilinear and friction-free transfer, minimizing forces applied to the objects and maintaining their orientation, with the option of using two holders for increased speed and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If sheet-like objects are handled at high speed using conventional transfer devices, then productivity is improved, but lateral forces and shearing forces are applied to the objects causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidlateral forces and shearing forces
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the movement path from conventional curved or angular trajectories to a substantially rectilinear path. The holder moves in a straight line perpendicular to the sheet plane during transfer, eliminating lateral forces and shearing forces that cause damage, while maintaining high transfer speeds through optimized linear motion mechanics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces conventional mechanical transfer mechanisms (rockers, pivots, belts) with a direct linear motion system. The holder is moved along a rectilinear path by a drive mechanism that ensures perpendicular movement relative to the sheet plane, substituting complex mechanical linkages with a simplified linear transfer system that eliminates harmful forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If conventional transfer mechanisms are used to move holders, then device complexity is reduced, but friction occurs that damages objects or displaces them from correct orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidfriction
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention substitutes conventional friction-based mechanical contact transfer (belts, chains, direct contact pushers) with a suction-based holding system combined with linear motion. The holder uses suction cups to grasp objects without mechanical contact during transfer, eliminating friction entirely while maintaining simple device architecture through the use of a single linear drive mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs pneumatic suction cups to hold and transfer sheet-like objects. The suction force holds the objects on the holder during linear motion, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and friction-based transfer mechanisms, while maintaining device simplicity through the integration of pneumatic holding with linear actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Productivity

If single holder systems are used, then device complexity is low, but transfer speed is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidnumber of holders
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the transfer system into multiple independent holder units (first holder and second holder) that can operate in sequence or parallel. Each holder has its own suction cups and can independently grasp and transfer objects, effectively doubling the transfer capacity while maintaining the simple rectilinear motion path and eliminating the need for complex multi-axis coordination systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables reliable and precise transfer of sheet-like objects at high speeds without damaging them, ensuring accurate orientation and reducing the risk of damage from forces or friction, while allowing for ergonomic loading and efficient handling of various sizes.

Implementation Method 1

The holder (5) has one or more suction heads (5a), which can be subjected to a vacuum and receive and hold the objects (2) by suction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2098468B1Device for transferring sheet like objects
Publication Date: 2014.02.26 INDAG GESELLSCHAFT FUR INDUSTRIEBEDARF MBH & CO BETRIEBS KG
  • EP2098468B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2098468B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2098468B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A device (1) for transferring leaf-shaped objects (2) is described, which ensures gentle handling of the objects in a structurally simple manner. The device (1) includes a holder (5) for the objects (2) and a movement device (6) defining a movement path (7) for the holder (5). The movement path (7) has a section (7a) that is essentially straight and essentially perpendicular to the plane of the leaf for receiving the object (2) by the holder (5).