Adaptable Discharge Flap for Machine Tool Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece discharge systems in machine tools face challenges in reliably discharging processed products of varying sizes, masses, and surface properties, often resulting in incomplete discharge and potential interference with subsequent processing operations.
Innovation Solution
A discharge device with a pivoted discharge flap and a part support system featuring adaptable support regions, including support brushes with varying bristle materials, rigidity, and orientations, ensures reliable discharge by matching the properties of the support regions to the specific characteristics of the processed products, preventing hooking and wear while optimizing the discharge process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional discharge flap is used, then the structure is simple, but processed products of varying sizes, masses, and surface properties cannot be reliably discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge flap is divided into multiple support regions (first, second, third support regions) with different surface properties. The first support region has a first property, the second support region has a second property, and the third support region has a third property. This allows each region to be optimized for specific product characteristics, enabling reliable discharge of diverse processed products while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge flap integrates multiple support regions with different properties into a single component that can handle various processed products. By incorporating diverse surface properties in different regions, the discharge flap becomes a multi-functional device capable of reliably discharging products with different sizes, masses, and surface properties without requiring multiple separate discharge mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If support regions with different properties are implemented, then different product types can be discharged effectively, but the part support becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different support regions are assigned different properties tailored to specific product types. The first support region with its first property handles certain product characteristics, while the second and third support regions with their respective properties handle other characteristics. This localized optimization provides high adaptability to different product types within a unified part support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple support regions with different properties are merged into a single integrated part support component. Instead of using separate discharge mechanisms for different product types, the invention combines multiple functional regions into one unified structure, achieving versatility while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent systems.
3Productivity
If the discharge flap is inclined downwards, then processed products move in the discharge direction, but products may hook on the support and remain undischarged
Solution Approach 1:
Different support regions have different surface properties that prevent hooking while maintaining the downward incline for gravity-driven discharge. The specific properties of each support region are selected to reduce friction and prevent processed products from catching on the surface, ensuring complete discharge while maintaining discharge efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge flap and part support are designed with specific surface properties before the discharge operation begins. This preliminary design ensures that as products move down the inclined flap, they do not hook on the support surface, preventing discharge failures before they occur.
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
The solution enhances process reliability by ensuring that processed products are discharged efficiently and effectively, reducing the risk of interference and extending the lifespan of machine tool components, thereby improving overall machine tool performance and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge flap (11) configured to be pivoted to a discharge position inclined downwards relative to a horizontal position in order to discharge the processed product (14) in a discharge direction (17)
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool for processing workpieces includes a processing device from which processed products to be discharged can be produced from a workpiece; and a discharge device including a discharge flap that can be pivoted into a discharge position inclined downwards relative to a horizontal position in order to discharge processed products and which defines a discharge direction in the discharge position, the discharge flap comprising a part support disposed along the upper side of the discharge flap along which the processed products move during discharge in the discharge direction, where the part support has at least two support regions which extend in the discharge direction and which are configured to accommodate different types of processed products.