Suction Cup Panel Handling for Continuous Cutting Machine Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines for wood and plastic panels have inefficient handling processes due to lengthy operating cycles and compromised positioning during panel handling, leading to low productivity.
Innovation Solution
A cutting machine design with optimized pusher systems and a robotic manipulator that allows continuous panel processing without releasing panels from gripping devices, combined with a novel gripping head that maintains panel grip throughout movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the gripping head releases the panel during positioning against limit stop devices, then the panel can be repositioned, but the operating cycle becomes longer and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is pre-positioned against the first limit stop device while still gripped by the gripping head, establishing correct orientation before the gripping head moves to its final position. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for release-reposition-grip cycles, maintaining both accuracy and productivity
2Measurement precision
If the gripping head moves relative to the panel during positioning, then the panel can be positioned against limit stop devices, but the operating cycle becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function and gripping function are merged into a single continuous operation. The gripping head maintains its grip on the panel throughout the entire positioning process, combining what were previously separate actions (release, position, grip) into one unified motion sequence, thereby reducing total time while maintaining accuracy
3Measurement precision
If multiple limit stop devices are used to position panels, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the positioning system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping head is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary gripping device and as a positioning reference. By making the gripping head itself the reference for panel positioning rather than relying on external limit stop devices, the system achieves accurate positioning while reducing the number of separate positioning components needed
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
Enhances productivity by minimizing panel handling interruptions and optimizing panel arrangement for efficient unloading and storage, resulting in a smaller machine footprint and higher throughput.
Implementation Method 1
a robotic manipulator mounted at the output table to load the panels onto the support plane, unload the panels from the support plane, and move the panels on the support plane. The robotic manipulator is provided with a gripping head comprising a support plate, and a plurality of gripping suction cups distributed on the support plate.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for handling panels made of wood, plastic or the like in a cutting machine, according to which a panel (55) is gripped by a suction cup gripping device (46a, 46b, 46c) configured to move relative to a support plate (37) in two sliding directions (41, 42) perpendicular to one another and to move the panel (55) on a support plane (P) and against two limit-stop planes (F2, F3) perpendicular to one another without ever releasing the panel (55).