Drill Unit on Transfer Carriage for Window Frame Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manufacturing systems for window frames and casings require separate stations for welding, cleaning, and drilling, leading to increased processing times, construction complexities, and higher costs due to the need for additional processing stations and manual handling.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that integrates a clamp and drill unit capable of simultaneous drilling and movement between welding and cleaning stations, allowing for precise positioning and drilling during transfer, reducing processing times and eliminating the need for intermediate stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an intermediate drill station is introduced between welding and cleaning stations, then drilling capability is added to the system, but process time increases considerably and construction complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling capabilityVSAvoidprocess time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drilling function with the existing workpiece transfer mechanism by mounting a drilling unit on the transfer carriage. This allows the same device that moves workpieces between stations to also perform drilling operations during the transfer process, eliminating the need for a separate intermediate drill station and reducing overall process time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer carriage is designed to perform multiple functions: it transports workpieces between welding and cleaning stations, and simultaneously performs drilling operations on the workpieces during transfer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated single-function stations, reducing construction complexity and process time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an intermediate drill station is introduced between welding and cleaning stations, then drilling capability is added to the system, but construction complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling capabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an intermediate drill station is introduced between welding and cleaning stations, then drilling capability is added to the system, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling capabilityVSAvoidspace requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If processing is done in separate stations with manual handling, then each processing step can be performed accurately, but overall processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous processing by performing drilling operations during the transfer process itself. The workpiece is held securely in the clamp during transfer, and drilling is performed without interrupting the transfer operation, eliminating idle time between processing steps while maintaining positioning accuracy through the secure clamping mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2202028B1Apparatus for simultaneously drilling a workpiece and moving it between workstations

Publication Date: 2011.11.23 ME C AL SPA

Figure 1~2G
Figure 3
Figure 4~5B

AI summary

An apparatus for moving a workpiece, such as a window frame (30) from a welding station (5) to a cleaning station (14), which comprises a clamp (37) supported by a carriage (18) movable from one station to the other, the clamp being vertically movable and susceptible of rotation for seizing and orienting the workpiece, at least one vertically movable drill unit (51, 52) being placed on a jaw (36) of the clamp, for drilling the workpiece on a surface of the workpiece exposed between the two clamp jaws, as the workpiece is moved from one station to the other, with the workpiece being held by the clamp, affording both advantages of reducing workpiece processing times and avoiding the need for a special drilling station and machine.