Trim Press Receiver with Gap-Forming Stack Removal
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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, 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 within the stacks 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:
The patent extracts the gap-forming function from the punch tool and relocates it to a separate gap-forming tool that operates independently. This allows the punch tool to maintain its standard cutting cycle while the gap-forming tool creates separation gaps in the product stacks, enabling simultaneous operation and eliminating the cycle time extension problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap-forming tool performs preliminary action by creating gaps in the product stacks before they are removed. This preliminary gap creation allows for easier and faster removal of product stacks without requiring the punch tool to extend through the die plate during the cutting cycle, thus maintaining high production speed while facilitating easy product removal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the trim press is reconfigured for different product sizes or types, then different products can be manufactured, but the reconfiguration process reduces efficiency and increases downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal support elements and tooling components that can accommodate multiple product sizes and types without requiring complete reconfiguration. The support elements are designed with adjustable features that allow them to work with different product dimensions, and the gap-forming tool can be programmed to create appropriate gaps for various product types, enabling quick changeovers while maintaining high production efficiency.
3Extent of automation
If manual handling of product stacks is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but automation and wrapping capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces automated transfer mechanisms as intermediaries between the trim press and the wrapping station. These intermediaries include conveyors and transfer arms that automatically move product stacks from the trim press to the wrapping area, eliminating manual handling while maintaining system flexibility. The automation is integrated in a modular fashion that adds functionality without creating excessive system complexity.
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.