Substrate Separation via Pneumatic Suction and Blown Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for treating substrates lack flexibility and efficiency in separating processed substrates into waste and usable parts, often requiring significant mechanical effort and being prone to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A device with a separating system comprising a transport cylinder and a stripping cylinder, utilizing a suction gripper system and air supply means to safely separate substrates by applying suction or blown air, minimizing mechanical components and ensuring precise registration and handling of substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical separating devices are used to separate substrates into waste and usable parts, then separation can be achieved, but mechanical effort and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical separating devices with a pneumatic system. A transport cylinder with suction openings and air supply means uses suction air to hold and transport substrates, and blown air to release them. This substitutes mechanical gripping and separating mechanisms with a pneumatic field-based system, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining separation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles throughout the separating device. The transport cylinder is equipped with suction openings connected to air supply means that can provide both suction air (for holding substrates) and blown air (for releasing substrates). This pneumatic system eliminates the need for complex mechanical grippers, clamps, or actuators, thereby reducing device complexity while enabling easy operation.
2Reliability
If traditional mechanical grippers are used to hold substrates, then substrate transport is possible, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical grippers that physically contact substrates with a pneumatic holding system. Suction openings in the transport cylinder create a suction field that holds substrates without mechanical contact. This eliminates wear, deformation, and contamination risks associated with mechanical grippers, improving reliability while reducing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic field acts as an intermediary between the transport cylinder and the substrate. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the suction air field mediates the holding and transport process. This intermediary pneumatic field prevents direct mechanical interaction that could cause contamination, while still enabling reliable substrate handling and positioning.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed substrate guidance is used on processing rollers, then substrate processing is possible, but adaptability to different formats is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic, adjustable guidance elements on the processing rollers. Instead of fixed guidance structures, the system uses movable or adjustable components that can be repositioned to accommodate different substrate formats. This dynamic adaptability allows the same processing device to handle various substrate sizes and types, improving versatility while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized adjustable mechanisms.
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 solution enables effective and safe separation of substrates with reduced mechanical effort, enhancing the stability and flexibility of the device while ensuring safe transportation and release of waste and usable parts.
Implementation Method 1
a suction gripper system (17), also referred to as a suction system (17), supplied by air supply means (14, 15) is formed in the area of the lateral surface of the transport cylinder (3)
Implementation Method 2
air supply means (14, 15) for supplying the openings (12, 13) with air are connected to the openings (12, 13)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for processing substrates using a separation system. The problem addressed by the invention is that of providing a device and a method for processing substrates, which permit the separation of processed substrates into one or more waste parts and at least one useful part. In particular, the object of the invention is that of providing a device and a method, which have improved flexibility, for processing substrates. The problem is solved in that: the separation system (2) comprises a transport cylinder (3) and a stripping cylinder (4) associated therewith; the transport cylinder (3) has first openings (12) and a detachably secured pick-up element (5) comprising depressions in which holes are formed, at least one hole covering at least one first opening (12); and the stripping cylinder (4) has a detachably secured pick-up element (5) with protruding regions that correspond to the depressions.