Magnetodynamic apparatus and method for separating non-ferrous conductive blanks

A method of separating conductive non-ferrous blanks, the method comprising:

• positioning a magnet adjacent to a stack of the blanks;
• generating a stationary magnetic field, via the magnet, in a first direction with respect to a major surface of an uppermost blank of the stack;
• determining if an end-effector of a material handling robot is within a calibrated proximity to the major surface of the uppermost blank;
• producing, via transmission of position control signals to an actuator device, an electric current in a second direction along the major surface of the uppermost blank when the end-effector is within the calibrated proximity, wherein the second direction is normal to the first direction;
• and
• controlling a position of the magnet relative to the stack via the actuator device during production of the electric current such that a force is generated in a third direction, normal to the first and second directions, that is sufficient for separating a portion of the uppermost blank from the stack.

A method of separating conductive non-ferrous blanks, the method comprising:

• generating, via a plurality of magnets arranged with alternating north and south poles on a perimeter surface of a rotor positioned adjacent to a stack of the blanks, a magnetic field in a first direction with respect to a major surface of an uppermost blank of the stack;
• producing an electric current in a second direction along the major surface of the uppermost blank by inducing the electric current in the major surface via rotation of the rotor at a calibrated speed using an actuator device, wherein the second direction is normal to the first direction;
• generating a force as a product of the stationary magnetic field and the electric current to separate the uppermost blank from remaining blanks in the stack;
• and
• grasping and lifting the separated uppermost blank using an end-effector of a material handling robot.

A magnetodynamic apparatus for separating conductive non-ferrous blanks arranged in a stack, the magnetodynamic apparatus comprising:

• a direct current (DC) voltage source;
• a pair of electrical conductors;
• a pair of electrical contacts that are electrically connected to the DC voltage source via the pair of electrical conductors;
• a magnet positioned adjacent to the stack, and configured to generate a stationary magnetic field in a first direction with respect to a major surface of an uppermost blank within the stack;
• a controller programmed to command a flow of an electric current in a second direction along the major surface of the uppermost blank, wherein the second direction is normal to the first direction;
• and
• an actuator device connected to the magnet and operable for positioning the magnet with respect to the stack concurrently with the commanded flow of electric current such that a magnetic separation force is generated in a third direction normal to the first and second directions, and at a level sufficient for separating a portion of the uppermost blank from the stack;
• wherein the electric current is produced in the second direction by injecting the electric current into the uppermost blank via the DC voltage source when the electrical leads come into direct contact with the major surface of the uppermost blank.