Angled Clamping Jaws for Angled Panel Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel insertion systems for wood processing machines are limited in their ability to precisely feed panel-shaped workpieces of varying sizes and geometries, particularly failing to accommodate non-right-angled corners, which restricts the flexibility in orienting the narrow sides of workpieces during insertion.
Innovation Solution
A panel insertion system featuring clamping jaws with angled leg sections and a displaceable additional workpiece detection device allows for precise alignment and rotation of workpieces, enabling insertion at a predetermined angle to the direction of insertion, ensuring accurate formatting even with non-square workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the narrow side facing the processing units is oriented exactly parallel to the direction of insertion, then the workpiece is guided exactly parallel to the direction of insertion, but the system cannot accommodate workpieces with non-right-angled corners or insert at angles
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jaws are made displaceable in both the insertion direction and the transverse direction, allowing dynamic adjustment of their positions. This enables the system to adapt to workpieces with varying geometries and orientations while maintaining precise control during the insertion process
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping jaws serve multiple functions: they clamp the workpiece, guide it during insertion, and can be positioned at different locations to accommodate various workpiece sizes and orientations. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle diverse insertion requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If clamping jaws are made displaceable in transverse direction to enable angled insertion, then orientation flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The use of flexible belts provides a simple yet effective mechanism for transverse displacement of the clamping jaws. The belts allow the jaws to move laterally along the workpiece table without requiring complex mechanical guidance systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functionality
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A panel insertion system according to the invention for woodworking machines (2) is designed for inserting panel-shaped workpieces (20) made of wood or wood substitutes into a woodworking machine (2). Such a panel insertion system comprises a workpiece table (19) with a workpiece support surface and a plurality of workpiece gripping devices (10). The latter are designed to grip the workpiece (20) and move it on the workpiece table (1) in an insertion direction (X) parallel to the workpiece support. At least two of the plurality of workpiece gripping devices (10) are designed as clamping jaws, each with two leg sections (11, 12) angled relative to each other. Each leg section (11, 12) further has a contact area (13, 14) designed to contact the narrow side (21, 22) of a panel-shaped workpiece (20).The clamping jaws (10) are slidably mounted in the insertion direction (X), with the at least two clamping jaws (10) also being slidable in a transverse direction (Y) transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the insertion direction (X) and parallel to the workpiece support. The clamping jaws (10) can thus be positioned at the corners of the workpiece (20), and after contact with the workpiece (20), the workpiece (20) can be inserted by moving the clamping jaws (10) in the insertion direction (X). Furthermore, by moving the clamping jaws (10) relative to the insertion direction (X), a rotation of the workpiece (20) can be achieved, so that insertion can take place at a predefinable angle to the insertion direction (X).