Machining Head Auxiliary Plate Support for Faster Glass Plate Fixturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional numerical-control work centers for machining glass or stone plates require a large number of suction-cup units for stable positioning, which is laborious and prone to interference with machining tools, and existing automated solutions are complex and require frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A work center design that reduces the number of suction-cup units by using a movable carriage with adjustable suction-cup units controlled by an electric motor and electronic controller, allowing for automated positioning and use of auxiliary wheels to grip the plate's edges during machining, enabling the same arrangement to accommodate plates of different shapes and dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a large number of suction-cup units are used for stable positioning, then the plate can be maintained in a fixed position, but the positioning operation becomes long and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The suction-cup units are mounted on mobile supports that can be automatically repositioned along the working surface, transforming the static positioning system into a dynamic one. This allows the same suction-cup units to serve multiple positions, reducing the total number needed while maintaining stable plate positioning throughout the machining process
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile supports enable suction-cup units to perform multiple positioning functions at different locations on the working surface. Instead of having dedicated suction-cup units for each position, the same units can be relocated to support plates of various shapes and dimensions, making the positioning system universally applicable
2Adaptability or versatility
If suction-cup units are positioned manually one by one, then flexibility in positioning is achieved, but the tooling operations become long and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile supports are equipped with actuators that enable automatic repositioning of the suction-cup units without operator intervention. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting the position of suction-cup units based on the plate configuration, eliminating the manual positioning process while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical positioning operation is replaced with an automated actuation system. Electric or pneumatic actuators drive the mobile supports to reposition suction-cup units, substituting human labor with automated mechanical systems that are faster and more consistent
3Extent of automation
If mobile suction-cup units are used on slides, then automated positioning is achieved, but the guide systems require frequent maintenance due to exposure to machining wastes
Solution Approach 1:
The suction-cup units and their mobile supports are extracted from the permanent guide system and repositioned onto the machining head. This removes them from the contaminated working environment during machining operations, eliminating their exposure to machining wastes and swarf that would require frequent maintenance of guide systems
Solution Approach 2:
The machining head serves as an intermediary carrier for the mobile supports and suction-cup units. Instead of having permanent guides in the working area that accumulate contamination, the positioning mechanism is temporarily hosted on the machining head, which can be easily cleaned or replaced between operations
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 design significantly reduces the number of suction-cup units needed, simplifies and automates their positioning, enhances ergonomics and safety, and allows for efficient machining of various plate configurations without frequent maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the suction-cup units used for supporting in a fixed position the plate to be machined
Implementation Method 2
the plate is kept, not only via the suction-cup units provided in the work centre, but also via the pair of wheels carried by the auxiliary supporting unit, which grip between them the plate while they roll over its two opposite faces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A numerical-control work centre (1) for machining plates of glass or plates of natural or synthetic stone material comprises a machining head (H) that can be moved according to three mutually orthogonal axes (X, Y, Z) over a working area (A) by driving respective servo-controlled electric motors (M1, M2, M3). A plate (L) to be machined is supported in a fixed horizontal position in the working area (A) by means of a plurality of suction-cup units (V). The number of suction-cup units necessary for keeping the plate in a fixed position in the working area is relatively low, thanks to the fact that the machining head is provided with an auxiliary plate-supporting unit comprising a pair of freely rotatable wheels (11, 12) that engage the opposite faces of the plate (L) in the working area (A) while the machining head (H) moves along the peripheral edge of the plate (L).