Adjustable Feed Tables for Re-Clamp-Free Workpiece Machining
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for processing workpieces, such as window and door frames, face limitations in achieving high performance due to the need for repeated re-clamping and separate machining of long sides, which reduces efficiency and increases processing time.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates adjustable feed units with tables that can move in both X and Y directions, allowing for simultaneous end machining of workpieces and subsequent longitudinal machining without re-clamping, utilizing additional feed units and clamping devices to optimize the processing of workpieces of varying lengths and profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workpieces are clamped in a feed unit for longitudinal machining, then the long side can be machined efficiently, but the workpiece must be transferred to a second feed unit for the opposite long side, increasing processing time and reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple feed units (first, second, third, and fourth feed units) into a single integrated system that can simultaneously perform end machining and longitudinal machining on multiple workpieces. This merging of functions eliminates the need to transfer workpieces between separate feed units, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining high machining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous machining operations by having multiple feed units operating simultaneously. While one workpiece undergoes longitudinal machining in the first feed unit, another workpiece can undergo end machining in the third feed unit, and a third workpiece can be prepared in the second feed unit. This continuous operation eliminates idle transfer time and maintains constant productive action.
2Productivity
If the machining unit moves in the Y direction for end machining, then high performance is achieved, but the feed unit must remain stationary, limiting flexibility for workpieces of different lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the feed units by equipping them with movable tables that can be positioned along guides in the X direction. This dynamic configuration allows the feed units to adapt to workpieces of different lengths while maintaining the high-performance Y-direction movement of the machining unit for end machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the feed units into multiple independent units, each with its own adjustable table. This segmentation allows each feed unit to be independently configured for specific workpiece lengths and machining requirements, providing versatility without compromising the overall system performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tables are made adjustable in the X direction, then workpieces of different lengths can be clamped optimally, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable tables are designed as universal components that can accommodate various workpiece lengths and configurations. By using a standardized adjustable table design across multiple feed units, the system achieves versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same component serves multiple functions and locations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The machine for processing workpieces (1) made of wood, plastic, and the like has at least one processing unit for end machining and longitudinal machining of the workpieces (1). It also has at least two feed units (I, II), each of which has at least one table (4, 5) with clamping elements (6, 7) for clamping the workpieces (1). These are arranged side by side in the X-direction and are movable along guides (10) in the X-direction. Each of the two feed units (I, II) has at least two tables (4, 5) that are adjustable relative to each other in the X-direction and in the Y-direction.