Slanted Slider Flipping Apparatus Reducing Component Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flipping apparatuses are complex and costly due to numerous components, which reduces their reliability and efficiency in automating the flipping process of work pieces.
Innovation Solution
A simplified flipping apparatus comprising a slanted slider, a flipping member with contoured plates defining a workplace groove, and a holding table, which allows for automatic flipping of work pieces with fewer components and enhanced reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional flipping apparatus with multiple components (support, lifting mechanism, rotator, vacuum absorber) is used, then the flipping function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support, lifting mechanism, and flipping function into a single integrated slider structure. The slider includes a sloped surface that automatically performs both lifting and flipping operations when the workpiece is placed on it, eliminating the need for separate support, lifting mechanism, and rotator components. This merging of functions directly reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the vacuum absorber component entirely by using the sloped surface of the slider to naturally guide and control the workpiece during the flipping process. The gravitational force and geometric design of the sloped surface replace the function previously performed by the vacuum absorber, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall device structure.
2Productivity
If manual labor is used to flip work pieces, then the process is simple and reliable, but the productivity is low and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The slider's sloped surface is designed to automatically perform the flipping operation without requiring external control mechanisms. When a workpiece is placed on the slider, gravity causes it to slide down and flip automatically along the sloped surface, eliminating the need for complex lifting mechanisms, rotators, or vacuum systems. This self-service approach achieves high productivity while keeping the device simple and reliable.
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
The apparatus achieves efficient and reliable automatic flipping of work pieces with reduced costs and complexity, ensuring high reliability and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
The slider 20 is slanted with respect to the horizon... When a work piece 80 is placed on the slider 20, the work piece 80 is accelerated as to slide into the flipping member 40
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary flipping apparatus includes a slider, a flipping member and a holding table. The slider is slanted relative to the horizon. A first end of the flipping member is connected to the slider. The flipping member includes a first flipping plate and a second flipping plate facing the first flipping plate. The first flipping plate and the second flipping plate are contoured to define a workplace groove to receive a workpiece to be flipped. An angle defined by the slider and an end section of the first flipping plate opposite to the slider is less than an angle between the slider and the horizon. The holding table is connected to a second end of the flipping member, and the second end is opposite to that of the first end of the flipping member.