Transfer Bar Timing Switch Control Independent of Press Angle

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Solution Overview

Problem

In conventional transfer press systems using servo press machines, the motion of the transfer device is affected by the press angle, making it difficult to set a stable switching point for timing switches, as the transfer motion is not directly linked to the press angle, and thus cannot be set according to the transfer motion.

Innovation Solution

A transfer device and method that sets a switching point for a timing switch based on a transfer individual phase signal synchronized with a master phase signal, allowing the switching point to be designated by a distance from a reference point on the trajectory of the transfer bar, independent of the press angle, enabling intuitive and flexible setting of the switching point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the transfer motion is linked to the press angle in a servo transfer press system, then the transfer device can operate with the press machine, but the switching point of the timing switch cannot be stably set because the transfer motion is affected by acceleration/deceleration and rotation direction changes of the press

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of switching point settingVSAvoiddifficulty in setting timing switch
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the transfer motion control from the press angle linkage by introducing an independent transfer individual phase signal. This segmentation allows the transfer device to have its own dedicated timing reference, decoupling it from the press machine's crank angle variations, thereby enabling stable switching point setting independent of press motion fluctuations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a transfer individual phase signal as an intermediary between the press machine and the transfer device timing control. This intermediary signal serves as a dedicated reference for the transfer motion, mediating the timing requirements without being directly affected by the press angle's acceleration and deceleration characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the transfer device uses a servo motor to set free transfer motion independent of press angle, then optimal transfer motion can be achieved, but the switching point of the timing switch cannot be set according to transfer motion because the transfer motion is not directly linked to press angle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefreedom of transfer motion settingVSAvoiddifficulty in setting timing switch
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer individual phase signal acts as an intermediary that bridges the independent transfer motion control with the timing switch requirement. It provides a dedicated reference that reflects the actual transfer motion state, enabling the timing switch to be set according to transfer motion parameters without being constrained by press angle linkage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical linkage between press angle and transfer motion timing with an electronic control system using servo motors and individual phase signals. This substitution allows independent, flexible setting of transfer motion parameters while maintaining precise timing control through electronic synchronization rather than mechanical coupling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If the timing switch switching point is set by press angle in a mechanical transfer press system, then the timing can be set simply, but this approach cannot be applied to servo transfer press systems where transfer motion is not directly linked to press angle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of timing switch settingVSAvoidapplicability to servo transfer press system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical press-angle-based timing switch setting with an electronic control system that uses transfer individual phase signals. This substitution maintains the simplicity of timing configuration through parameter setting while enabling compatibility with servo transfer press systems through electronic synchronization and flexible signal generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3922375B1Transfer device and method for controlling transfer device
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 AIDA ENGINEERING LTD
  • EP3922375B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3922375B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3922375B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A transfer device transfers a workpiece by a transfer motion which is based on a transfer individual phase signal synchronized with a master phase signal, and includes: a setting unit that sets a point on a trajectory of a transfer bar as a switching point of a timing switch, the point on the trajectory being separated from a reference point on the trajectory by a designated distance designated by a user, and the trajectory being based on the transfer motion; and a signal output unit that outputs a timing signal to an external device at a timing when the transfer bar reaches the switching point.