Suction-Cup Support Unit for Faster Wide-Sheet Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing machines for flat material parts face inefficiencies in the feeding and unloading processes, particularly in accommodating wide sheets and requiring extensive opening of clamping beams, which slows down the manipulation and processing of materials.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a support unit with suction cups mounted on the movement axis associated with processing tools, allowing for pivoting movements without the need for additional elements, enables efficient turning and feeding of wide sheets with reduced beam opening, and the use of placement units connected transversely to processing tools for direct loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a turning unit with suction cups is used to accelerate feeding, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional elements
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit is mounted on the movement axis associated with the processing tool, allowing it to utilize the existing swivel movement of the processing tool for turning the flat material part. This multi-functional arrangement eliminates the need for a separate turning unit, thereby accelerating feeding while avoiding additional structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit with suction cups is integrated with the processing tool's movement axis, combining the feeding function with the existing processing mechanism. This merging of functions allows the same axis to perform both processing tool movement and material part turning, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining improved productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If clamping beams are opened extensively to handle wide sheets, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to slower manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit acts as an intermediary between the feed table and the processing area, providing stable support and positioning for wide sheets without requiring the clamping beams to open extensively. This intermediary support enables handling of wide sheets while minimizing beam opening and reducing manipulation time
3Productivity
If a support unit is added to accelerate feeding, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit is mounted on the movement axis associated with the processing tool, allowing it to utilize the existing swivel movement of the processing tool for turning the flat material part. This multi-functional arrangement eliminates the need for a separate turning unit, thereby accelerating feeding while avoiding additional structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit utilizes the existing movement axis and swivel mechanism of the processing tool to perform the turning function, rather than requiring an independent driving mechanism. This self-service approach allows the support unit to accelerate feeding without adding significant structural complexity or additional drive systems
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
This solution accelerates the feeding and unloading processes, allows for the handling of wide sheets without extensive beam opening, and reduces the complexity and cost of the machine by utilizing existing swivel axes, enabling one-person operation for feeding and removing flat material parts.
Implementation Method 1
the support unit has a plurality of suction cup with which the flat material part can be picked up and positioned by the feed table
Data Source
AI summary
A processing machine for flat material parts includes a machine frame, a lower beam, an upper beam, at least one processing tool, and a control unit and an infeed table on which the flat material part to be processed can be placed for positioning in the processing machine. A support loading unit with a plurality of suction cups is provided for the positioning of the flat material part on the infeed table. The infeed table can be moved from a parking position in an extension direction to a loading and unloading position and back again. The support unit is mounted on the movement axis assigned to the processing tool or tools for a pivoting movement into the same direction.