Workpiece Magazine Infeed Layout for Reliable High-Speed Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for separating workpieces, such as panels in the woodworking industry, face challenges in achieving reliable and high cycle rates, especially with thin, flexible materials, often resulting in unsafe processes due to incomplete separation.
Innovation Solution
A device with an infeed system that decouples workpiece holding from ejection, utilizing first and second infeed elements arranged at the edges and between them, along with a suction device and revolving conveyor, to ensure stable and precise separation at high speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a belt is used to convey the bottom workpiece from the magazine, then the workpiece can be conveyed, but the adjacent workpiece is also conveyed and singulation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying system is segmented into multiple independent elements (first conveying elements at edges, second conveying element in the middle) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows selective engagement with the workpiece to achieve reliable singulation while maintaining conveying capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the conveying system have different functions: first conveying elements at edges provide support and stability, while the second conveying element in the middle provides the primary conveying force. This local differentiation enables both reliable singulation and continuous conveying.
2Stability of the object's composition
If infeed elements are arranged only at the edges of the magazine area, then stable feeding is achieved, but workpiece deflection occurs leading to premature ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The infeed system is divided into first infeed elements at edges for support and a second infeed element in the middle for controlled engagement. This segmentation provides both stability during feeding and controlled timing for ejection, preventing premature release.
Solution Approach 2:
The second infeed element acts as an intermediary between the edge elements and the workpiece center, providing controlled support that prevents deflection while enabling timely ejection. This intermediary element coordinates the transition from stable feeding to controlled discharge.
3Device complexity
If the feeding device and discharge device are integrated, then the system is simpler, but the operation cannot be decoupled from magazine conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a feeding device that handles magazine interaction and a discharge device that handles high-speed ejection. This functional segmentation allows the discharge device to operate independently at high speeds while the feeding device manages magazine conditions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and speed independence.
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 enables reliable and high-speed separation of workpieces, minimizing premature ejection and ensuring safety by providing stable support and synchronized movement of infeed elements, and efficient power transmission through suction, resulting in increased separation reliability and speed.
Implementation Method 1
the device according to the invention has a suction device for drawing a workpiece to be conveyed to the discharge device
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (1) for separating workpieces (2), which preferably consist at least in sections of wood, wood-based materials, plastic or the like, comprising a workpiece magazine (10) with a magazine area (12) for holding a plurality of workpieces (2), in particular one Stacks of workpieces, an ejection device (20) for ejecting a workpiece from the workpiece magazine (10), characterized in that the device has an infeed device (30) which is set up to deliver at least one workpiece (2) held ready in the workpiece magazine (10) delivered to the discharge device (20).