Dual-Head Working Centre With Shared Tool Rack for Faster Tool Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing working centres for machining oblong pieces, such as wooden beams, require manual tool changes for one of the two working heads, leading to inefficiencies and increased encumbrance due to separate tool racks for each head.
Innovation Solution
A working centre with two working heads and a single tool rack, allowing each head to perform tool changes independently within its own housing, reducing tooling times and overall size by enabling simultaneous machining and tool changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single tool rack serves only one working head, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to manual tool changes for the second head
Solution Approach 1:
The single tool rack is designed to serve both working heads through a dual-access configuration. The rack contains tool housings that can be accessed by either working head, allowing automatic tool changes for both heads from one centralized location, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining device simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the dual-access tool rack system with movable working heads) that enables tool sharing between two working heads. This intermediary structure allows tool cartridges to be exchanged automatically for either head without requiring separate racks, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and productivity
2Productivity
If two separate tool racks are provided for two working heads, then the productivity is improved through automatic tool changes, but the device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate tool racks are merged into a single unified tool rack structure that serves both working heads. The rack contains multiple tool housings arranged to be accessible by either working head, combining the functions of two racks into one while maintaining automatic tool change capability for both heads, thus reducing the overall footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The tool housings are arranged in a spatial configuration that allows access from multiple directions. The working heads can approach the same tool rack from different positions, utilizing three-dimensional space arrangement to enable dual access to a single rack without interference, effectively reducing the two-dimensional footprint
3Manufacturing precision
If tool change time is not masked during machining, then the manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the productivity decreases due to tooling time interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous useful action by allowing tool changes to occur during the machining operation of the other head. While one working head is machining the workpiece, the other head can perform tool changes from the shared rack, ensuring that productive time is not lost to tooling interruptions and maintaining overall manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for tool changes in advance by having the second working head ready to exchange tools while the first head is still machining. This preliminary action ensures that tool changes are pre-positioned and executed without interrupting the primary machining operation, maintaining both precision and productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a working centre (C), for working a workpiece (P), like a beam, made of wood, plastic, metal, ceramic, glass and fiberglass, comprising a supporting plane (1), extending in a first direction (X), for supporting said workpiece (P), comprising a first half plane (11) and a second half plane (12), movement members of said workpiece (P) along said first direction (X), a working unit (2), arranged between said first (11) and second (12) half plane, comprising a first (21) and a second (22) working group for working said workpiece (P), which comprise, respectively, a first working head (214), movable along a second direction (Y), orthogonal to said first direction (X) and a third direction (Z), orthogonal to the plane passing through two straight lines parallel to said first (X) and second direction (Y), and rotating with respect to a first rotation axis (C) and a second rotation axis (B), and a second working head (222), movable along said second direction (Y) and third direction (Z) and rotating around a third rotation axis (A) and a fourth rotation axis (D), and a logic control unit (U) for controlling said working centre (C), capable of operating said first (21) and second (22) working group, said working centre being characterized in that it comprises at least one first housing (33k, 331'k) configured for housing at least one tool for working said workpiece (P) and for carrying out a tool change with said first working head (214), and at least one second housing (33n, 331'n) configured for housing at least one tool for working said workpiece (P), and for carrying out a tool change with said second working head (222).