Bridge-Integrated Workpiece Handling for Precise Large-Part Machining

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining machines for large-sized elements face challenges with complex, slow, and imprecise charging and discharging operations due to the need for external systems like bridge cranes or forklifts, leading to increased machine size, reduced precision, and prolonged downtime.

Innovation Solution

A compact processing machine with integrated positioning devices and a movable machining head system, allowing for automatic or semi-automatic charging and discharging of elements, utilizing a bridge-mounted grabbing device system for precise and efficient movement along cartesian axes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external systems like bridge cranes or forklifts are used for charging and discharging, then the machine can handle large-sized elements, but the machine size increases and precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle large-sized elementsVSAvoidmachining precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the charging and discharging system directly into the machining center structure. The grabbing device is mounted on the bridge structure, combining the loading function with the existing movement infrastructure. This eliminates the need for separate external cranes or forklifts, maintaining compact machine size while preserving machining precision through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If external systems like bridge cranes or forklifts are used for charging and discharging, then the machine can handle large-sized elements, but the charging and discharging operations become slow and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle large-sized elementsVSAvoidcharging and discharging speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging and discharging operations are integrated into the existing bridge and arm movement system. The grabbing device utilizes the same cartesian coordinate movement infrastructure already present for machining operations, allowing efficient and rapid positioning of elements without requiring separate complex external handling systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge and arm structures serve dual purposes: they function both for machining head positioning and for charging/discharging operations. The grabbing device can be positioned anywhere along the bridge and arm trajectories, enabling versatile handling of large elements while maintaining fast operation speeds through the existing high-performance movement system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If external systems like bridge cranes or forklifts are used for charging and discharging, then the machine can handle large-sized elements, but the machine structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle large-sized elementsVSAvoidmachine structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grabbing device is integrated onto the existing bridge structure, utilizing the same support and movement infrastructure already present in the machining center. This eliminates the need for separate external handling systems and reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining the capability to handle large elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If external systems like bridge cranes or forklifts are used for charging and discharging, then the machine can handle large-sized elements, but downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle large-sized elementsVSAvoidcharging and discharging downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge and arm structures perform dual functions as both machining positioning systems and element handling mechanisms. The grabbing device can rapidly position elements using the same high-speed cartesian movement system already optimized for machining operations, significantly reducing charging and discharging downtime while maintaining versatility for large elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12599999B2Processing machine and processing method

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 CHIAROTTIN

AI summary

Processing machine and related operating method, wherein the processing machine is a machine for machining components having a body within which there are a chamber and a movement bridge which is movable on the upper part of the chamber, wherein the processing machine includes a positioning device integrated in the structure of the bridge and equipped with grabbing devices for the grabbing of the element to be machined and for the transportation of the element to be machined towards and from a machining bench of the machine.