Truss Assembly Table for Dual-End Ejection and Gantry Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing truss assembly tables are limited in their ability to eject built trusses from both ends and lack automatic control systems for securing connector plates to truss members during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The truss assembly table incorporates truss ejection assemblies that can be retracted or extended to eject trusses from the ends, truss end stop assemblies that engage and disengage truss members during assembly, and a control system with a gantry and sensor assembly to manage the gantry's movement and secure connector plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If truss assembly tables are configured to eject built trusses from the side only, then the ejection mechanism is simpler, but the productivity and space utilization are reduced due to inability to eject from both ends simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection mechanism is segmented into multiple independent ejection assemblies positioned at different locations (sides and ends) of the table. Each assembly can operate independently to eject trusses from different directions simultaneously, thereby increasing productivity without requiring a single complex centralized ejection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection assemblies are designed to be movable between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between different ejection modes (side ejection, end ejection, or simultaneous multi-directional ejection) based on production requirements, optimizing both productivity and space utilization.
2Extent of automation
If automatic control systems are added to control gantry movement and connector plate securing, then the manufacturing precision and automation level improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor assemblies are integrated with the gantry system to detect the position and status of truss members and connector plates. This feedback mechanism enables the control system to automatically adjust gantry movement and securing operations, achieving precise automated control while maintaining manageable system complexity through intelligent sensing and response.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to automatically manage the entire assembly process including gantry positioning, connector plate application, and ejection sequencing. The system serves itself by making autonomous decisions based on sensor input, reducing the need for complex manual intervention mechanisms while maintaining high automation levels.
3Productivity
If multiple ejection assemblies are installed to enable simultaneous ejection from both ends, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection assemblies are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can be positioned and configured at different locations on the table (sides and ends). Each assembly serves multiple purposes: ejecting trusses from its designated direction, and potentially serving as a support or positioning element when not in ejection mode. This universality allows simultaneous multi-directional ejection capability while controlling overall system complexity through standardized modular components.
Data Source
AI summary
A truss assembly table and methods of operating a truss assembly table, wherein the truss assembly table includes one or more of truss ejection assemblies, truss end stop assemblies, and a control system and gantry with a sensor assembly.