Suction Takeout Loader Vibration for Product-Skeleton Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In laser cutting processes, the cut product often overlaps with the skeleton due to heat-induced distortion, causing interference when suctioned by the takeout loader, which hinders effective lift and separation.

Innovation Solution

A product carrying-out apparatus equipped with a takeout loader unit that includes suction pads and a vibration unit, where the suction pads detect contact with the skeleton using floatless switches and apply controlled vibrations to separate the product from the skeleton by adjusting the touch plate's position and activating vibrators to resolve interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If laser cutting is used to cut the product from the workpiece, then cutting precision is improved, but the product may overlap with the skeleton due to heat-induced distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidproduct-skeleton overlap
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration to the suction device or product-skeleton assembly to separate overlapping regions. The vibration causes relative movement between the product and skeleton, allowing the suction device to successfully lift the product even when parts of it overlap with the skeleton due to heat-induced distortion from laser cutting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Ease of operation

If the product overlaps with the skeleton, then the suction device cannot effectively lift the product, but adding separation devices increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct liftingVSAvoidseparation device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device is designed to perform multiple functions: both suction/lifting and vibration-based separation. By integrating the vibration function into the suction device, the patent avoids adding a separate complex separation device while still resolving the product-skeleton overlap problem, thus maintaining ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If shock separation is used to separate product from skeleton, then separation effectiveness is improved for friction-based combined states, but it is ineffective for vertical overlapping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation effectivenessVSAvoidseparation method applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs mechanical vibration instead of shock separation to address vertical overlapping between product and skeleton. The continuous vibration causes gradual relative movement and separation, which is effective for the specific case of vertical overlap caused by heat-induced distortion, whereas shock separation would be ineffective for this particular scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 effectively lifts and separates the product from the skeleton, improving processing efficiency and reducing the need for additional punching processes, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a suction device of a takeout loader... The cut product is sucked by a suction device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

applies a shock so that vibration by the shock separates them from each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3708524B1Product taking out device, product carrying out device, and product taking out method
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 AMADA CO LTD
  • EP3708524B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3708524B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3708524B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A product taking-out apparatus includes a suction part (51a) to suck a plate-like metal product (WP) and ascend, a touch plate (7) to move between a separate position and a contact position with respect to the product (WP) sucked by the suction part (51a), and a vibrator (8) to vibrate the touch plate (7).