3D Workpiece Clamping for Narrow-Profile Machining Tables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing devices for editing wood, wood materials, and plastics face challenges in efficiently processing workpieces with varying edge contours and limited clamping surfaces, especially when reducing window frame part widths for increased light incidence.

Innovation Solution

A processing device with multiple workpiece tables and a feeding system that allows for three-dimensional positioning and clamping of workpieces, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple workpieces and flexible clamping on various surfaces, including narrow sides and edges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If window frame component widths are reduced to allow increased light incidence, then light transmission is improved, but clamping surfaces become limited and clamping capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight incidenceVSAvoidclamping capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional clamping (top and bottom surfaces only) to three-dimensional clamping by enabling workpiece positioning and clamping on multiple surfaces including narrow sides and edges. The workpiece holder is designed with clamping jaws that can clamp workpieces on their narrow sides, effectively adding a new dimension to the clamping capability and solving the limitation of reduced clamping surfaces on thinner window frame components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If fixed clamping jaws are used on workpiece tables, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to workpieces with varying heights and contours is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping mechanismVSAvoidworkpiece accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces fixed clamping jaws with displaceable clamping jaws that can be positioned in multiple positions along the workpiece table. This dynamic clamping mechanism allows the clamping jaws to adapt to workpieces of different heights and contours while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure. The displaceable clamping jaws can be adjusted to clamp workpieces at optimal positions on their surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple workpiece tables are used to machine workpieces with varying contours, then processing versatility is improved, but changeover time and loss of time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidchangeover time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention designs each workpiece table with multi-functional clamping capabilities, including displaceable clamping jaws that can clamp workpieces on multiple surfaces (top, bottom, and narrow sides). This universal clamping capability on single workpiece tables eliminates the need for multiple specialized workpiece tables, thereby reducing changeover time while maintaining processing versatility for workpieces with varying contours.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If clamping jaws are fixed on workpiece tables, then manufacturing precision is maintained through stable clamping, but ease of operation deteriorates when reclamping is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping stabilityVSAvoidreclamping operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements displaceable clamping jaws that can be easily repositioned along the workpiece table while maintaining stable clamping when engaged. This dynamic design allows operators to quickly adjust and re-clamp workpieces at different positions without complex operations, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving manufacturing precision through stable clamping force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3197639B1Machining device
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP3197639B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3197639B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP3197639B1 patent drawingFigure 8

AI summary

The invention relates to a machining device (1), in particular for machining workpieces (5) of wood, wood materials, plastic or the like, comprising a workpiece table (2) with a workpiece holder (3) for holding at least one workpiece (5), and a feeding device (6) for supplying at least one workpiece to the workpiece table (2), wherein the workpiece (5) can be positioned in three dimensions with respect to the workpiece table (2). The invention further relates to a corresponding method.