Truss Table Ejection Mechanism for Uniform Damage-Free Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing truss assembly tables have complicated mechanisms for ejecting built trusses, which can cause damage and hinder efficient production.

Innovation Solution

A truss assembly table with multiple ejection mechanisms that apply uniform ejection forces and are less complicated, featuring a table frame, tabletop, ejection brackets, actuators, and rollers to simultaneously lift and move trusses off the table.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complicated mechanisms are used for ejecting built trusses, then the ejection function can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and truss damage likelihood increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetruss damage preventionVSAvoidejection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection mechanism is divided into multiple independent ejectors (first ejector and second ejector) that can operate separately. Each ejector is associated with its own bracket and actuator, allowing independent control and simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable truss ejection without damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the ejection function from a single complex mechanism and distributes it across multiple simpler ejector units. By taking out the ejection function into separate, modular components, the system achieves reliable truss handling with reduced overall complexity and lower damage risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If complicated mechanisms are used for ejecting built trusses, then the ejection function can be achieved, but the production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidejection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection system is segmented into multiple independent ejectors that can operate simultaneously or independently. This segmentation allows for faster, more efficient truss ejection by distributing the work across multiple simpler units rather than relying on one complex mechanism, thereby improving production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ejectors are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to respond quickly and efficiently. The actuators can be selectively activated to provide rapid ejection forces, and the rollers are positioned to enable smooth, fast truss removal from the assembly table, enhancing production throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple ejectors are used to simultaneously lift and move trusses, then production efficiency increases, but the force distribution and control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous truss ejection capabilityVSAvoidejection force control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the ejection system into multiple independent ejectors with separate actuators, the patent simplifies force distribution control. Each ejector can be independently controlled to apply appropriate forces to specific truss sections, making the overall system easier to operate while maintaining high productivity through simultaneous ejection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution reduces the likelihood of truss damage during ejection and enhances production efficiency by simplifying the ejection process.

Implementation Method 1

a roller (212, 222) configured to be in contact with a bottom flange of the truss (105) and configured to move the truss (105) horizontally

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4438257B1Truss assembly table ejection mechanisms
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4438257B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4438257B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4438257B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A truss assembly table having a plurality of truss ejection mechanisms configured to eject assembled trusses from the truss assembly table.