Trim Press Receiver with Gap-Forming Stack Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trim press systems face inefficiencies due to longer cycles required for forming gaps in product stacks, which reduces production speed and necessitate reconfiguration for different product sizes or types, and lack automated handling and wrapping capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A trim press receiver system with support elements, a strip away mechanism, and a pusher rake, combined with a robotic arm and wrapping station, enables continuous operation and automated handling of product stacks by forming gaps without extending the punch tool, and facilitates automated wrapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the punch tool is extended through the trim die plate to form gaps in product stacks, then the products can be separated for removal, but the cycle time increases and production speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A receiver is introduced as an intermediary component between the trim die plate and the product stacks. The receiver includes a surface that receives arrays of products and forms stacks, allowing the punch tool to deposit products without needing to extend through the die plate. This mediator enables product separation and removal while maintaining standard cycle times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the product stacking function from the product removal function. The receiver surface accumulates products in stacks, and gaps are formed in the stacks to enable separation into individual packages. This segmentation allows continuous production while facilitating easy product removal without extending the punch tool.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the trim press is reconfigured for different product sizes or types, then new products can be formed, but the reconfiguration process interrupts continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is designed with a universal surface that can accommodate arrays of different products. The receiver maintains its fundamental function of receiving and stacking products while adapting to various product sizes and types without requiring structural reconfiguration, enabling continuous operation across different product lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of product arrays on the receiver surface to accommodate different product sizes and types. The receiver can adapt its configuration for different products while maintaining continuous operation, with gaps formed in stacks as needed for various packaging requirements.
3Productivity
If products are closely spaced on the trim press receiver, then space is utilized efficiently, but removing the products becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by forming gaps in the product stacks before removal is needed. Gaps are created in the stacks on the receiver surface, allowing products to be separated into individual packages or smaller groups. This preliminary gap formation makes subsequent product removal easy while maintaining efficient space utilization during the stacking phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A trim press receiver for receiving an array of products from a trim press includes support elements, a strip away mechanism, and a pusher rake. The support elements are configured to receive arrays of products and support the arrays of products in rows of stacks. The strip away mechanism is configured to form gaps in the stacks of products. The pusher rake is configured to extend into the gaps and press portions of the stacks off the support elements.