Dual Station Tool Change System for Wood Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for replacing tools on an overhead crane in wood processing machines result in variable tool change times, leading to delays when processing components with short processing times, as the operating head must wait for tool movement along a path and between stations, increasing overall processing time.
Innovation Solution
A machine design where the operating head consistently releases tools into one tool change station and picks new tools from the other, ensuring a constant total tool change time by moving the electro spindle between two staggered tool change stations, allowing simultaneous processing and tool replacement without waiting for tool movement along a path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tools are moved along a path into a tool change station, then tool replacement can be performed, but the operating head experiences variable waiting time that increases overall processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The tool change system is segmented into two separate stations: a first tool change station for receiving tools from the operating head, and a second tool change station for delivering tools to the operating head. This segmentation allows simultaneous tool reception and tool delivery operations, eliminating the sequential waiting time in the prior single-station system.
Solution Approach 2:
The second tool change station prepares and positions the next tool in advance before the operating head completes its current operation. This preliminary action ensures that the replacement tool is ready and waiting at the second station, eliminating idle waiting time when the operating head finishes processing and needs to switch tools.
2Device complexity
If a single tool change station is used, then the structure is simpler, but the tool change time becomes variable and causes delays
Solution Approach 1:
The single tool change station is divided into two separate stations positioned at different locations along the tool path. The first station handles tool deposition while the second station handles tool pickup, allowing these operations to occur simultaneously rather than sequentially, thus reducing total tool change time despite increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second tool change station acts as an intermediary that pre-positiones replacement tools before the operating head needs them. This intermediary station buffers the tool supply process, ensuring continuous availability of tools without requiring the operating head to wait for tool movement along the entire path.
3Loss of time
If tools are moved from tool magazine to operating head directly, then the process is faster, but the operating head must wait for tool movement along the path
Solution Approach 1:
Tools are pre-positioned at the second tool change station before the operating head completes its current operation. This preliminary positioning of the replacement tool eliminates idle waiting time, as the tool is already in position and ready for immediate transfer when the operating head becomes available.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual station system enables continuous useful action by overlapping tool preparation and tool usage phases. While the operating head processes a component, tools are being prepared and positioned at the second station, ensuring that no time is wasted in idle transitions between operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and machine to process wood components or the like, according to which a component is processed by means of a first tool fitted on an operating head (11), which, at the end of the processing, releases the first tool into a first tool store (15) and picks a second tool from a second tool store (20), which is different from the first tool magazine (15).