Suction Cup Sorting Apparatus for Tile Format Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting apparatuses for tiles and slabs are complex, bulky, and heavy, unable to sustain the normal working rhythm of packing lines, particularly for small and medium formats, and require format adjustments, leading to inefficiencies and irregularities in tile conveyance and stacking.
Innovation Solution
A compact and flexible sorting apparatus with suction cup gripping means that can operate on different formats without adjustments, forming stacks on universal bases alongside the conveying line, using a system of temporary waiting areas and synchronized gripping means to collect and evacuate homogeneous objects efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pincers and heavy structural apparatus are used to pick up and transfer tiles, then the apparatus can handle large format tiles, but the device becomes complex, bulky, and heavy, and cannot sustain the normal working rhythm of packing lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pincers with a suction cup system that uses vacuum pressure to grasp and transfer tiles. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical gripping structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to handle various tile formats including small and medium sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic suction cups to pick up and transfer tiles instead of mechanical pincers. The suction cups are connected to a vacuum source that creates negative pressure to hold tiles during transfer operations, enabling handling of diverse tile formats with a simpler, more compact apparatus that can sustain high-speed packing line operations.
2Productivity
If traditional mechanical pincers are used for picking up tiles, then the apparatus can transfer tiles, but it cannot operate at the high speeds required by normal packing line rhythms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic suction cup system where the vacuum pressure can be rapidly adjusted and released, allowing for high-speed tile pickup and placement operations. The system can quickly adapt to different tile formats without mechanical reconfiguration, enabling continuous operation at packing line speeds without time loss for format changes.
3Speed
If conveyor belts operating laterally on tiles are used to convey tiles, then tiles can be moved, but irregularities in tile sizing cause unsafe conveyance and the system is laborious to change format
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces lateral conveyor belt mechanisms with a vertical suction cup grasping system. By picking up tiles from the top surface rather than conveying them laterally on belts, the system eliminates problems related to tile size irregularities causing unsafe conveyance. The suction cups provide secure holding regardless of minor dimensional variations, ensuring reliable and safe tile handling at high speeds.
4Ease of operation
If stacks are formed on fixed bases, then stacks can be formed, but the apparatus is not adaptable to different tile formats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal supports that can accommodate stacks of different tile formats through adjustable positioning mechanisms. The supports are designed with movable elements that can be reconfigured to match various tile dimensions, allowing the same stacking system to handle multiple formats without requiring format-specific fixed bases, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving versatility.
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
Enables high-speed operation and flexibility to handle various formats without interfering with the incoming objects, achieving efficient stacking and evacuation of homogeneous packs, suitable for both large and small formats, and maintaining the speed of packing lines.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of gripping means 4 for the objects 3, in particular of suction pad type
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for sorting objects conveyed by a conveying line, comprises a portion of conveying line (2) at which the objects (3) are sorted, a plurality of gripping means (4) for gripping the objects (3) operating at a portion of conveying line (2). The gripping means (4), on command and selectively, pick up the objects present on the portion of conveying line (2) and transfer them onto supports (5) in temporary waiting areas preselected for forming stacks of objects (3) homogeneous with each other. Lifting and conveying means (6) are provided for lifting, on command, single objects or stacks of objects (3) resting on supports (5) in preselected temporary waiting areas and conveying them onto an evacuation line (7).