Chip-Guiding Groove Machining Unit for Dust and Chip Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in minimizing dust and chip accumulation during groove and separation editing of workpieces, particularly due to high-speed chip ejection which complicates suction and leads to increased processing time and tool wear.

Innovation Solution

The aggregate is designed to redirect high-speed dust and chip jets away from the workpiece, towards an optional suction hood, while also incorporating a line device with a suction device to effectively remove particles from the groove base, thereby minimizing dust and chip accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If synchronous motion machining is used to prevent surface tear-outs, then machining precision is improved, but dust and chip pollution increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface qualityVSAvoiddust and chip pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the harmful chips and dust from the machining area using a suction device connected to a vacuum system, separating the chip removal function from the machining process itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A guide element is introduced as an intermediary component that redirects the high-speed chip jet into the suction hood, mediating between the machining zone and the extraction system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If extraction hood is used to remove particles, then dust removal is improved, but high-speed chips cannot be deflected into the extraction system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust removalVSAvoidchip velocity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element features a curved upper end portion that redirects the linear high-speed chip flow into a curved trajectory, allowing chips to be deflected into the suction hood while maintaining extraction effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element acts as a mediator that bridges the high-speed chip jet and the suction hood, transforming the chip trajectory without requiring direct contact between the high-velocity chips and the extraction system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If narrow slots are used for machining, then machining precision is improved, but chips become stuck in the slot leading to inadequate extraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegroove accuracyVSAvoidchip removal efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The curved upper end portion of the guide element prevents chip accumulation by creating a smooth redirecting surface that eliminates dead zones where chips could become stuck, maintaining continuous chip flow to the extraction system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element is positioned specifically at the groove opening with its lower end extending into the groove, providing localized chip redirection exactly where needed while maintaining the narrow groove dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Object-generated harmful factors

If two-step milling process is used for chip removal, then chip extraction is improved, but machining time and tool wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip extractionVSAvoidmachining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the chip extraction function with the single-pass grooving operation by integrating the guide element and suction system, eliminating the need for separate chip removal steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction device operates continuously throughout the machining process, maintaining constant chip removal capability without interrupting the grooving operation, ensuring uninterrupted chip extraction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 significantly reduces dust and chip accumulation in the machine's vicinity, minimizing processing time and tool wear, while ensuring effective chip removal and suction.

Implementation Method 1

the unit is designed such that a jet of dust and/or chips that are separated from the workpiece during machining and fly along the groove at high speed is deflected so that the jet is directed out of the groove and away from the workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic force:

Implementation Method 2

the unit is designed such that dust that accumulates at the bottom of the groove is effectively removed from the groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3999291B1Unit for machining grooves and separating cuts, having a chip-guiding function
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP3999291B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3999291B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP3999291B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A unit for machining a workpiece, in particular for machining grooves and separating cuts therein, said workpiece preferably consisting at least partially of wood, wood-based materials, metal materials or plastic, has a main body (1), a machining tool (2) that is mounted, in particular rotatably mounted, on the main body (1), wherein the machining tool (2) has a first portion (3) that is configured such that, during the machining of the workpiece (10), it is able to penetrate into the workpiece (10), and a line device (4) that is arranged in the region preferably next to the machining tool (2) and is configured such that a medium is able to flow along, preferably through, the line device (4), wherein the line device (4) has at least one opening (5) in a lower end portion thereof. The line device (4) is configured such that the medium is able to flow out of the opening (5) substantially in the direction of the first portion (3) of the machining tool (2), and/or the line device (4) has a suction-extraction device.