Single Drive Cam Synchronization for Sheet Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feed stations in collating machines have complex structures with multiple drive components, leading to significant expenses due to separate drive cams and cam roller levers for the suction cup and stack lifter, which are costly and inefficient with many parts.
Innovation Solution
A simplified feed station design using a single drive cam and cam roller lever to synchronize the movements of the suction cup and stack lifter, allowing simultaneous operation while maintaining the required time sequence, with intermediate transmission gears to coordinate their movements and reduce the number of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate drive cams and cam roller levers are used for the suction cup and stack lifter, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate drive cams and cam roller levers into a single drive cam with two cam contours and one cam roller lever. The first cam contour controls the suction cup's movement while the second cam contour controls the stack lifter's movement, both actuated by the same cam roller lever. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the required sequential timing through the geometric design of the cam profiles.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate drive cams are used for suction cup and stack lifter, then movement control precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two separate cam mechanisms into one integrated drive cam with two distinct cam contours. Each contour is designed with specific geometric profiles that independently control the timing and movement of the suction cup and stack lifter. This single cam can be manufactured as one piece, reducing manufacturing cost compared to two separate cams, while the precision contours maintain accurate movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam roller lever acts as an intermediary element that translates the rotational movement of the drive cam into sequential actuation of both the suction cup and stack lifter. The cam roller lever's interaction with the two different cam contours allows precise timing control without requiring two separate cam mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while preserving movement precision.
3Productivity
If simultaneous movement of suction cup and stack lifter is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves simultaneous actuation of the suction cup and stack lifter through a single drive cam mechanism. By designing the cam with two distinct contours that engage the same cam roller lever, both components are actuated in parallel during the separation cycle, reducing total cycle time while avoiding the complexity of two independent drive systems.
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
This solution reduces the number of parts and assembly complexity, ensuring functional reliability with mechanically coupled movements, minimizing the strokes required for the suction cup and stack lifter, and integrating rocker mechanisms for further part reduction, resulting in a more cost-effective and efficient separation process.
Implementation Method 1
a swiveling sucker for tipping the bottom sheet from the stack
Implementation Method 2
blown air can be output from the stack lifter in order to reduce the friction between the sheet and the stack
Data Source
AI summary
The device (1) has a pivoted suction device (11) for tilting the lower sheet from a pile (3). A drive unit (30) has a drive curve (32) with an assigned curve roller lever (33). The suction device and a pile hoist (21) are drive-connected by transmissions (36,37,40,41) with a curve roller lever.