Slab Handling Apparatus with Vertical Roller Alternation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support and handling apparatuses for slab materials in machining machines result in prolonged machine standstills during feeding and unloading operations, leading to reduced productivity and risks of damage to the apparatus due to debris and dust.
Innovation Solution
A support and handling apparatus using sliding rollers that allow continuous alternation of machined and new slabs above the work plane, minimizing downtime by simultaneously feeding a new slab and unloading a machined one, with rollers positioned to avoid impacts and bending, and featuring motorized and idly mounted rollers for efficient movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional support and handling apparatuses (bridge cranes, lift trucks, conveyor belts) are used to feed slabs to the machining machine, then the slabs can be transported and positioned, but the machine must remain inactive during feeding and unloading operations, resulting in prolonged standstills and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus positions a new slab above the work plane in advance (at a predetermined distance) before the current slab is fully processed. This preliminary positioning allows the machine to begin machining the new slab immediately after finishing the current one, eliminating idle standstill time and maximizing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous operation by overlapping the machining cycle with the feeding cycle. While one slab is being machined, another slab is already positioned above the work plane, ensuring the machine never remains inactive and maintaining continuous productive action
2Extent of automation
If motorised rollers are used on the work plane to move slabs, then feeding and unloading can be automated, but the rollers are subject to frequent jamming and breaking caused by debris and dust produced during machining
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus extracts the automated positioning function from the work plane area by positioning slabs above it (at a predetermined distance) using a separate handling mechanism. This separates the automated feeding function from the machining zone, preventing debris and dust from causing jamming and breaking of the positioning components
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediate positioning space above the work plane where slabs are held before machining. This intermediary zone acts as a buffer that isolates the positioning mechanism from the harmful environment (debris and dust) at the machining interface, thereby improving reliability
3Productivity
If the tool of the machining machine sinks deep into the slab for effective machining, then machining efficiency is improved, but the conveyor belt (if used) would be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a support structure that replicates the work plane surface above it, allowing the slab to be positioned and supported at elevation without requiring a physical conveyor belt at the machining interface. This eliminates the belt damage issue while maintaining effective tool engagement with the slab
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 significantly reduces machine downtime during slab exchange, minimizes the risk of slab damage, and enhances productivity by maintaining continuous operation with reduced risks of jamming and breaking.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first supporting and sliding rollers (3, 4) for supporting and sliding the platform (P) with the slab (L) on a first horizontal lying plane (P1) defined by said first rollers; a plurality of second supporting and sliding rollers (5, 6) for supporting and sliding the platform (P) with the slab (L) on a second horizontal lying plane (P2) defined by said second rollers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~3B
Figure 4A~6B
AI summary
A support apparatus (1) of slab materials (L) is described, comprising: a support structure (2), defining a horizontal work plane (PL) of a slab (L); a plurality of first supporting and sliding rollers (3, 4) of the slab (L) on a first horizontal lying plane (P1) and a plurality of second supporting and sliding rollers (5, 6) of the slab (L) on a second horizontal lying plane (P2) beneath the first lying plane (P1). The first supporting and sliding rollers (3, 4) and the second supporting and sliding rollers (5, 6) are movable along a vertical direction with respect to the support structure (2), to bring said first (P1) and second (P2) lying plane beneath the, or at the, work plane (PL) and to load or withdraw a slab (L) onto/from the work plane (PL). A method for feeding slabs (L) to a work plane (PL) of a machine for machining the slab material is also described. The method foresees vertically alternating the machined slabs (L) and the slabs (L2) to be machined on the work plane (PL), so that production is continuous.