Dynamic Cutter Adjustment Mechanism for Wood Panel Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wood panel machines require manual adjustment of cutters for different groove dimensions and geometries, leading to interruptions and the need for specialized personnel, as they lack an automated mechanism for dynamic adjustment of cutters during operation.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical device with a fixed stator and rotor allows for dynamic adjustment of rotary tools, enabling continuous operation without stopping the machine, using a handwheel to adjust the distance between cutters via a universal joint, worm screw, and threaded components, allowing for varying cutting profiles without interrupting the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of cutters is used for different groove dimensions, then cutting precision can be achieved, but machine interruptions and loss of productivity occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidmachine productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the distance between two cutters to be continuously varied during machine operation. The second cutter is mounted on a movable support that can be shifted along the rotation axis through a mechanical transmission system (handwheel-universal joint-worm screw-threaded rod), enabling real-time adaptation of cutting geometry without stopping the machine, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining cutting precision and preserving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of cutters is used, then cutting profile can be changed, but specialized personnel intervention is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting profile variabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the operator to directly adjust the cutting profile through a handwheel mechanism without requiring specialized personnel. The mechanical transmission system (handwheel-universal joint-worm screw-threaded rod) translates simple rotational input into precise axial displacement of the second cutter, making the adjustment process self-service and eliminating the need for specialized intervention while maintaining full adaptability of cutting profiles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If fixed cutter distance is used, then machine structure is simple, but adaptability to different panel geometries is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical structure simplicityVSAvoidgeometry adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism that maintains relative structural simplicity while achieving high adaptability. The second cutter is mounted on a movable support connected through a compact mechanical transmission system (handwheel-universal joint-worm screw-threaded rod) that allows continuous variation of the distance between cutters along the rotation axis, enabling the machine to adapt to different panel geometries without significantly complicating the overall mechanical structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables automatic and continuous machining of wood panels with varying geometries and dimensions, improving efficiency, reliability, and reducing the need for specialized personnel, as the cutting profile can be adjusted externally without halting the machine.

Implementation Method 1

A further height indicator or tachometer 11, which is mechanically connected to a handwheel 9 for a manual adjustment of the distance between the outer cutters 1, 2 along the longitudinal axis K, is supported by a shaped element 14, which is fixed on the bracket 13

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm screw mechanism: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 2

the toothed and threaded wheel or ring 6, which, in turn, engages on the threaded nut 7, which finally moves the slide 8

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3092107B1A wood panel machine comprising a mechanical device for a dynamic adjustment of rotary tools
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 SCHIAVON
  • EP3092107B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3092107B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A mechanical device for a dynamic adjustment of rotary tools, said mechanical device being installed in wood panels machines and comprising at least one drive motor (12) which moves at least two coaxial milling cutters (1, 2) supported by a central bushing or sleeve (3) and by a casing (4) which rests on a bracket (13), said drive motor (12) being fitted on said bracket (13) and opposite to said casing (4) and said milling cutters (1, 2), wherein at least one (2) of said milling cutters (1, 2) is fixed on a slide (8), moved by at least one first threaded ring (7), which engages on a second threaded and toothed ring (6) coupled to a worm screw (5), said slide (8), said first and second rings (6,7) and said worm screw (5) being placed inside the casing (4) and said worm screw (5) being moved from outside the casing (4).