Machining Assembly With Annular Nozzle Chip Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining devices for processing plate-shaped workpieces, such as those made of wood or plastic, face challenges in reliably removing chips to prevent interference and disturbances during processing, with existing solutions requiring complex direct suction systems that are not space-efficient.

Innovation Solution

A floating milling or pulling blade unit with a fluid feed system that creates a negative pressure area adjacent to the workpiece by supplying fluid into a connection region, forming an annular nozzle with the routing to induce a high-pressure flow that efficiently transports chips away from the machining area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If direct suction systems are used to remove chips, then chip removal capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip removal reliabilityVSAvoidsuction system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a fluid supply system (pneumatics) to generate a jet flow that creates negative pressure in the connection region, enabling chip removal through fluid dynamics rather than complex mechanical suction systems. The high-speed fluid jet directly exploits pneumatic principles to achieve reliable chip evacuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical suction systems with a fluid-based pneumatic system. Instead of using mechanical pumps or vacuum generators, the patent uses a fluid supply to create jet-induced negative pressure, substituting mechanical complexity with simpler fluid dynamics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If direct suction systems are used to remove chips, then chip removal capability is improved, but space efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip removal reliabilityVSAvoidsystem space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a compact fluid supply system that generates high-speed jets to create negative pressure locally at the connection region. This pneumatic approach eliminates the need for large vacuum chambers or extensive suction ductwork, significantly reducing the space required while maintaining effective chip removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates negative pressure in a localized three-dimensional region (connection region) rather than requiring a large-volume suction system. By concentrating the negative pressure generation in a specific spatial zone through fluid jets, the system achieves effective chip removal with minimal overall space occupation.

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

3Productivity

If high flow rate fluid supply is used to generate negative pressure, then chip transport efficiency is improved, but fluid consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip transport efficiencyVSAvoidfluid consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the fluid supply as an intermediary to indirectly generate negative pressure through jet-induced effects. Rather than directly pumping large volumes of air to create suction, the fluid jets act as intermediaries that convert fluid energy into localized negative pressure, reducing overall fluid consumption while maintaining chip transport efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameters of fluid supply (pressure, flow rate, jet configuration) to optimize the balance between chip transport efficiency and fluid consumption. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves effective negative pressure generation with minimized fluid usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 chip removal reliability and efficiency by using induced airflow to carry chips away, avoiding direct suction complexities and allowing for a compact, space-saving design.

Implementation Method 1

a supply of fluid into the connecting portion by means of the fluid supply to produce a negative pressure in a region adjacent to the connecting portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure generation through fluid flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

thereby inducing a flow which conveys at least part of the span or chips from the workpiece and/or the machining device into the region adjacent to the machining device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduced flow: Entrainment

Implementation Method 3

The fluid feed and the routing are designed such that they form an annular nozzle in the connection area. In such an arrangement of the fluid supply and routing relative to each other, it can be achieved that the supply of the fluid with high pressure and at the same time at a high flow rate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnnular nozzle flow: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP3476534B1Machining device for machining workpieces and method for removing chips from the mould
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP3476534B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3476534B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3476534B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a machining device, preferably an assembly, for machining workpieces, particularly those in the shape of plates, which preferably consist at least partially of wood, wood-based materials, plastic, or the like. The machining device comprises a machining unit for machining the workpiece by ejecting a chip or chips, a guide for conveying at least a portion of the chip or chips away from the workpiece, and a fluid supply for supplying fluid. The fluid supply is connected to the guide in a connecting area.According to the invention, it is provided that a supply of fluid into the connection area by means of the fluid supply creates a negative pressure in an area adjacent to the connection area, which is located near the workpiece and/or the machining device, so that a flow is created from the workpiece and/or the machining device to the adjacent area, which transports at least a part of the chip or chips.