Workpiece Storage Method Using Segmented Air Jets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece storage methods fail to reliably store conveyed workpieces within a storage area due to the rear end of the workpiece rebounding and moving outside the storage area after contacting the anterior wall, causing instability and potential loss of storage.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece storage method that controls the pressure within the storage area to move the rear end of the workpiece downward, ensuring it contacts the posterior wall, using air jets directed downward or upward to manage the workpiece's movement and prevent it from exceeding the storage boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air is ejected obliquely downward from above the storage area to move the workpiece downward, then the leading end of the workpiece can be brought into contact with the anterior wall, but the rear end of the workpiece may rebound and move outside the storage area
Solution Approach 1:
The air ejection is divided into two separate nozzles: one for ejecting air obliquely downward to move the leading end downward, and another for ejecting air horizontally to move the rear end backward. This segmentation allows independent control of the workpiece's leading end and rear end, preventing the rear end from rebounding outside the storage area while ensuring the leading end contacts the anterior wall.
Solution Approach 2:
A support member is introduced as an intermediary element to support the rear end of the workpiece during the air ejection process. This support member prevents the rear end from rebounding outward when air is ejected obliquely downward, thereby ensuring the workpiece remains within the storage area boundaries.
2Reliability
If the leading end of the workpiece is brought into contact with the anterior wall to lose momentum, then the workpiece can be stored in the storage area, but the rear end may rebound backward and exceed the posterior wall
Solution Approach 1:
The air ejection system is segmented into multiple nozzles positioned at different locations: some nozzles eject air obliquely downward near the leading end, while other nozzles eject air horizontally near the rear end. This spatial segmentation allows precise control over different portions of the workpiece, ensuring the leading end contacts the anterior wall while the rear end is prevented from exceeding the posterior wall.
Solution Approach 2:
Different air ejection characteristics are applied to different locations of the workpiece. The nozzles near the leading end eject air obliquely downward to control the leading end's contact with the anterior wall, while the nozzles near the rear end eject air horizontally to control the rear end's position against the posterior wall. This local differentiation of air ejection quality achieves precise positioning of both ends of the workpiece.
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
This method effectively prevents the rear end of the workpiece from exceeding the posterior wall, ensuring reliable storage by controlling the air pressure and direction to maintain the workpiece within the storage area.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure control step of controlling a pressure of gas within the storage area in such a manner that a rear end side of the workpiece with respect to a center of the workpiece is moved downward when the workpiece is conveyed to the storage area
Implementation Method 2
using air jets directed downward or upward to manage the workpiece's movement and prevent it from exceeding the storage boundaries
Data Source
AI summary
A first leading end plate and a first rear end plate are provided at an upper part of a rotary table. When a conductor piece contacts the first leading end plate, a first contact detection sensor detects a contact of the conductor piece, and transmits a contact detection signal to a storage control unit. Upon receiving the contact detection signal, the storage control unit drives an air supply device for a predetermined period to spray air toward the conductor piece from a first air nozzle. The air spray brings the conductor piece into a tilted state with the rear end thereof moved downward. Even when the conductor piece contacts the first leading end plate and rebounds, the rear end thereof contacts an inner wall surface of the first rear end plate, thereby preventing the rear end of the conductor piece from getting over the first rear end plate.