Adjustable Vacuum Hold-Down Units for Wood Panel Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machining centers for wood panels require two different types of work tables, 'nesting' and 'bar' tables, due to their distinct operating characteristics, leading to increased costs and productivity disparities, as they cannot efficiently process panels from start to finish without switching between machines.
Innovation Solution
A machining center with a work table featuring a portal frame structure and adjustable vacuum hold-down units that can move along three axes, allowing for secure holding and selective positioning of panels and shaped parts, enabling simultaneous cutting and edge machining without tool collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a nesting work table is used to maximize panel utilization, then cutting efficiency is improved, but edge machining capability deteriorates due to insufficient space between shaped parts
Solution Approach 1:
The work table structure is made dynamic by allowing the portal frame to move between a raised position (for edge machining) and a lowered position (for nesting cutting). This dynamic adjustment enables the table to adapt its function based on the machining stage, resolving the contradiction between maximizing panel utilization and enabling edge machining.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bar work table is used to enable edge machining, then versatility is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to limited panel processing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The work table is designed with multi-functionality, combining the nesting capability of traditional nesting tables with the edge machining capability of bar tables. The portal frame structure with adjustable positioning allows the same table to perform both functions, eliminating the need for separate machines and improving overall productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate machining centers are used to handle both nesting and bar table functions, then operational versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of two separate machining centers (nesting table and bar table) into a single integrated work table system. The portal frame structure combines the advantages of both table types, allowing nesting cutting and edge machining to be performed on the same machine, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining operational versatility.
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 solution enhances productivity by allowing for continuous processing of panels from start to finish on a single machine, combining the efficiency of nesting tables with the versatility of bar tables, reducing the need for multiple machines and maintaining high productivity.
Implementation Method 1
suction means that generate a vacuum to hold the panel down
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A machining centre for panels (1) made of wood or the like comprises a work table (3) for supporting an unworked panel (1) and at least one machining unit (4), which move relative to each other, the latter being equipped with tools (5) acting on the unworked panel (1) to make it into at least one machined workpiece (1a); the work table (3) comprises: a plurality of bars (6) mounted on longitudinal beams (7); a vacuum hold-down unit (8) positioned on each bar (6) and whose top surface (8a) forms the panel (1) supporting table; means (9) for generating a vacuum acting on each vacuum hold-down unit (8) in order to securely hold down the panel (1); each vacuum hold-down unit (8) is equipped with means (10) for moving it along the third, vertical axis (Z) to adopt at least two stable configurations between a first, lowered position where the top surface (8a) is close to the respective bar (6), and a raised position, where the top surface (8a) is away from the bar (6).