Vertical Conveyor for Progressive Forming Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Progressive cold forming machines often damage formed parts during transfer due to freefall impacts with other parts or the rigid gravity discharge chute, and existing solutions either obstruct the operator's workspace or compromise the machine's structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A vertically oriented conveyor system using endless chains and pan-like carriers within the machine to gently lower formed parts from the transfer discharge point to a lower elevation, reducing the risk of collision damage and maintaining the machine's structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If parts are conveyed horizontally just below the workstation plane to prevent damage, then part damage is reduced, but the operator's workspace is obstructed and the machine sidewall is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from horizontal conveyance to vertical conveyance by positioning the conveyor beneath the workstation plane and directing parts downward to an exit below the machine. This dimensional change eliminates obstruction of the operator's horizontal workspace while maintaining part protection through controlled descent.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the workstation and the external environment, providing a protected vertical pathway for parts to travel below the workstation plane without interfering with operator access or requiring sidewall modifications.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If parts are conveyed horizontally just below the workstation plane to prevent damage, then part damage is reduced, but the machine sidewall strength is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the conveyance path from a horizontal route requiring sidewall openings to a vertical route beneath the workstation plane, eliminating the need for sidewall modifications and preserving structural integrity while still protecting parts during transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system serves as an intermediary structure installed within the existing machine footprint, providing a protected pathway for parts without requiring modifications to the sidewall structure, thus maintaining the original structural strength.
3Device complexity
If parts are dropped from the transfer discharge to the valley area, then the discharge path is simple, but collision damage occurs between parts
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system provides beforehand cushioning by controlling the descent of parts through a guided vertical pathway, preventing uncontrolled freefall and collision between parts while maintaining a relatively simple discharge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor acts as an intermediary mechanism between the transfer discharge and the valley area, providing a controlled vertical transport path that eliminates part-on-part collisions while maintaining discharge path simplicity.
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 conveyor system effectively prevents part damage by controlling the descent of formed parts, maintaining operator access and the machine's structural integrity, while ensuring safe and efficient part removal.
Implementation Method 1
the chains move the carriers from the transfer area to a lower elevation within the machine
Implementation Method 2
lowers the part at a controlled rate of descent thereby preventing collision damage between parts
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3F
AI summary
A progressive forming machine (10) having a frame (24) supporting a plurality of workstations (11) uniformly spaced in a horizontal plane, a transfer mechanism (12) for shifting parts from one station to another and from a last station to a discharge station, a conveyor (16) in the frame (24) for lowering parts from the transfer discharge station, the conveyor (16) having individual part carriers (36), the conveyor (16) being arranged to present a carrier (36) beneath the discharge station in timed relation to the operating cycle of the machine.