Dual-Zone Wall Processing Machine for Continuous Prefab Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machines for constructing prefabricated walls are inefficient as they occupy the working station for the entire duration of processing a wall, preventing simultaneous processing of multiple walls and requiring excessive human intervention, which hampers productivity without significant cost increases.

Innovation Solution

A machine with two adjacent working zones and a support structure that allows tools to move between zones, enabling the first zone to process one wall while the second zone processes another, with features like overturning and lifting mechanisms to facilitate efficient material application and removal, allowing continuous operation without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single working station is used to process walls sequentially, then the machine structure remains simple, but productivity decreases due to inability to process multiple walls simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidmachine structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is divided into two distinct working zones (first and second working zones) that can operate independently and simultaneously. Each zone has its own work surface and processing capabilities, allowing parallel processing of multiple walls without requiring a completely new machine design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The machine extends in the longitudinal direction to accommodate two working zones arranged side by side. This spatial dimensionality change allows simultaneous processing of multiple walls along the longitudinal axis while maintaining a relatively compact cross-sectional footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If manual intervention is used for positioning beams and plates, then the machine structure remains simple, but productivity decreases and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine incorporates automatic positioning systems and robotic mechanisms that enable self-service operation. The system can automatically position beams, plates, and filling materials without continuous manual intervention, reducing labor dependency while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical positioning operations are replaced with automated control systems and robotic mechanisms. This substitution increases processing speed and reduces labor requirements while keeping the overall machine structure manageable through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the working station is occupied for the entire duration of processing one wall, then the processing sequence remains simple, but productivity decreases due to inability to process multiple walls in parallel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous processing capabilityVSAvoidworking zone coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two working zones are designed to operate continuously and independently of each other. While one zone is processing a wall, the other zone can simultaneously process another wall, ensuring continuous productive action without idle time and eliminating the need for complex sequencing of single-zone operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4424463A1Machine for processing walls, in particular for walls made of wood or the like
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 ESSETRE
  • EP4424463A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4424463A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4424463A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Machine for processing walls, in particular for walls made of wood or the like, which machine comprises: a support structure for at least one working tool, movable in at least one direction with respect to at least one working station, or to the part being worked, for the execution of at least one processing in one or more zones of the processing part and in which the processing station includes two adjacent working zones aligned in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the support structure of said at least one tool; the said support structure being movable along the entire extension of the processing planes of the said two working zones in such a way that the support structure can be translated in correspondence with and along the processing plane of the said first zone and of the said second working zone; a first of said two working zones being provided with a device for turning the wall being processed upside down; the second of the said two working zones being provided with a tilting member from horizontal to substantially vertical of the said wall being processed, which tilting member is provided with member for discharging of the prefabricated wall, the said first and second zones are provided with members for translating the wall being worked from one to the other.