Suction Lifting Plate Segmentation for Sheet Material Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet material handling systems face inefficiencies in cutting and handling processes, particularly with suction-based systems where sections of cut material may not be properly engaged, leading to waste and increased manual handling needs, resulting in lost time and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
An automated sheet material cutting and handling system utilizing a resiliently compressible template adhered to a suction lifting plate, which helps separate cut portions by applying suction through exposed holes while maintaining pressure with the template, allowing for efficient separation and handling of sheet material articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If suction lifting apparatus is used to handle cut sheet material, then automation and productivity are improved, but sections of cut material may not be properly engaged leading to handling failures
Solution Approach 1:
The suction lifting plate is segmented into multiple zones with different suction characteristics. The plate includes a first region with first suction holes and a second region with second suction holes, allowing different sections of the plate to engage different portions of the sheet material independently, ensuring reliable engagement of cut sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the suction lifting plate have different suction properties tailored to specific needs. The first region has suction holes configured for engaging one type of material section while the second region has suction holes configured for engaging another type, providing locally optimized engagement for various cut material sections.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling is used to separate waste material from processed sheet material, then sorting can be performed, but time is lost and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suction lifting apparatus is configured to automatically separate waste material from processed sheet material without manual intervention. The differentiated suction regions automatically engage and lift only the desired cut sections while leaving waste material behind, enabling the system to perform its own sorting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction lifting plate acts as an intermediary device between the cutting process and the stacking process. It selectively engages and transports only the processed sheet material sections while automatically excluding waste material, serving as a mediator that performs sorting functionality.
3Force
If suction holes are exposed across the entire suction lifting plate, then suction force is maximized, but cut material sections may not be properly separated and engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The suction lifting plate is divided into multiple regions with distinct suction hole patterns. The first region has suction holes optimized for engaging one type of cut section while the second region has suction holes optimized for engaging another type, allowing precise selective engagement without compromising overall suction force.
Solution Approach 2:
Each region of the suction lifting plate has locally optimized suction hole configuration tailored to the specific engagement requirements of different cut material sections. This local customization ensures precise engagement accuracy while maintaining effective suction force in each region.
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 system enhances automation, reduces manual handling, and improves efficiency by ensuring accurate separation of cut portions without manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity and reducing waste in sheet material processing.
Implementation Method 1
a suction lifting apparatus comprising at least one suction lifting head including a first suction lifting head, the or each suction lifting head providing a downwardly oriented suction lifting portion
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive to adhere a resiliently compressible template to the suction lifting plate
Data Source
AI summary
An automated sheet material cutting and handling system for producing sheet material articles having a planar shape comprises a cutting surface with a suction hold-down, a suction lifting apparatus, a robotic actuation system for moving the suction lifting apparatus, and a control system for controlling the operation of the cutting device and the suction lifting apparatus. The suction lifting apparatus comprises a suction lifting head including a suction lifting portion comprising a suction lifting plate for applying suction through a plurality of holes in the plate. The control system is configured to operate the cutting device to make at least one cut through the planiform blanks. A resiliently compressible template is adhered to the suction lifting plate. Also, methods.