Sheet metal workpiece storage device and sheet metal workpiece loading method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece storage devices often cause workpieces to bend and come into contact with each other, leading to transportation issues and abrasion scratches, which deteriorate the quality of the workpieces, especially when storing large pieces or when workpieces are stacked horizontally.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece storage device with a first and second position restricting mechanism, comprising comb teeth members and slits, allows workpieces to be stored in a standing state without contact, enabling the bending robot to hold and transport them individually, using a vacuum gripper to load them onto a press brake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If workpieces are stored horizontally in a workpiece storage device, then storage capacity is improved, but workpieces bend and come into contact with each other causing quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal storage to vertical storage orientation. Workpieces are stored standing upright with their surfaces facing vertically, allowing multiple workpieces to be stacked in the vertical direction without contact between them. Position restricting mechanisms (comb teeth members and slits) engage with end portions of workpieces to maintain this vertical orientation and prevent contact, thereby preserving workpiece quality while achieving high storage capacity.
2Productivity
If workpieces are stored in contact with each other to maximize storage density, then storage efficiency is improved, but the bending robot cannot hold and transport workpieces individually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage space into individual vertical slots where each workpiece is independently positioned. Position restricting mechanisms (comb teeth members with multiple teeth and corresponding slits) are provided for each workpiece, creating discrete positioning zones. This segmentation allows workpieces to be stored densely in vertical arrangement while maintaining individual accessibility, enabling the bending robot to easily grasp and transport one workpiece at a time without interference from adjacent workpieces.
3Volume of stationary object
If workpieces are stored in contact with each other, then storage space utilization is improved, but abrasion scratches occur and workpiece quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces position restricting mechanisms as intermediaries between adjacent workpieces. Comb teeth members and slits act as mediating structures that engage with end portions of workpieces, maintaining precise spacing and preventing direct contact between workpiece surfaces. This intermediary positioning system allows workpieces to be stored in close vertical proximity (maximizing space utilization) while eliminating surface-to-surface contact that would cause abrasion scratches and quality deterioration.
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 allows for efficient storage and loading of workpieces without contact, preventing abrasion and ensuring high-quality processing by enabling the bending robot to handle workpieces one by one, thereby increasing operational speed and maintaining workpiece quality.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum gripper to load them onto a press brake
Data Source
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AI summary
A first plate-like member (51) on a bottom surface side is disposed in a horizontal direction. A second plate-like member (53) is disposed in a vertical direction. A first position restricting mechanism (54s) is engaged with a first end portion including a first side that opposes the first plate-like member (51) in a workpiece (W) in a state where the workpiece (W) stands while a front surface and a rear surface of the plate-like workpiece (W) are along a vertical direction, and restricts the position of the first end portion in a plate thickness direction. A second position restricting mechanism (53s) is engaged with a second end portion including a second side that opposes the second plate-like member (53) in the workpiece (W), and restricts the position of the second end portion in the plate thickness direction.