Truss Plate Stacking Apparatus Odd-Even Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for bundling truss plates can only handle even numbers, such as two or four plates, and cannot efficiently stack odd numbers of plates in pairs during manufacturing cycles.
Innovation Solution
An automated stacking apparatus with a stationary and movable shelf, along with a roller and transport track assembly, allows for the rapid pairing of an odd number of truss plates into an even number of pairs over two cycles, using a system controller to manage the process flow and ensure efficient alignment and pairing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art machines are used to bundle truss plates, then even numbers of plates (two or four) can be processed, but odd numbers of plates cannot be efficiently stacked in pairs during manufacturing cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a movable shelf that dynamically changes position between cycles to accommodate odd numbers of plates. The shelf moves from a first position during the first cycle to a second position during the second cycle, enabling flexible adaptation to varying plate quantities while maintaining continuous production flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking process utilizes periodic action by alternating between two manufacturing cycles. In the first cycle, an odd set of plates is received and stacked in pairs with the movable shelf in a first position. In the second cycle, another odd set of plates is received and stacked in pairs with the movable shelf in a second position. This periodic alternation enables efficient processing of odd numbers of plates while maintaining even number output.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a stationary stacking system is used, then simple structure is maintained, but flexibility to handle varying plate quantities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a movable shelf that dynamically changes position between cycles to accommodate odd numbers of plates. The shelf moves from a first position during the first cycle to a second position during the second cycle, enabling flexible adaptation to varying plate quantities while maintaining continuous production flow.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for stacking truss plates, each truss plate having a flat side and a pronged side, receives an odd number of plates. An even number of input channels underlie a stationary shelf and a movable shelf. The channels receive a first odd set of plates in a first cycle with the movable shelf in a first position, each of the first plates being received and falling input channels during the first cycle. The channels receive a second odd set of plates during a second cycle, the movable shelf in a second position during the second cycle. A roller and transport track assembly move each of the odd number of plates to an output so that an even number of plates is output during each cycle.