Edge Banding Carriage with Multi-Unit Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing edge banding machines are cumbersome and costly, requiring extensive manual setup and adjustment for processing different edgebands, making them uneconomical for small quantities and inefficient due to their large size and linear processing methods.

Innovation Solution

A compact machine design featuring a movable carriage with integrated processing units for adhesive application, milling, polishing, and edgeband management, allowing simultaneous execution of coating steps and flexible operation for various edgeband thicknesses and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If processing units are arranged one behind the other in a linear sequence, then complete coating processes can be performed, but the machine length becomes large and operation becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating process completenessVSAvoidmachine length
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a linear one-dimensional arrangement of processing units to a two-dimensional configuration where multiple processing units are distributed across the width of the workpiece. The carriage traverses laterally across the workpiece width, enabling complete coating processes without requiring excessive machine length in the longitudinal direction.

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

Solution Approach 2:

A single carriage is designed to carry multiple different processing units (adhesive application unit, heating device, pressure rollers, milling unit, polishing unit, etc.), allowing one carriage to perform all necessary coating operations that would otherwise require multiple separate carriages or processing stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple processing units are installed to handle different edgebands, then processing versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedgeband processing versatilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carriage is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various processing units for different edgeband types and thicknesses. Instead of having separate dedicated machines for each edgeband type, a single carriage can be equipped with multiple processing units (adhesive application, heating, pressure rollers, milling, polishing) that can handle diverse edgebanding requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The carriage system allows for dynamic reconfiguration and adjustment of processing units to accommodate different edgeband types. The lateral traversal capability and adjustable positioning enable the same carriage to adapt to various edgeband thicknesses and shapes without requiring manual setup and adjustment of multiple fixed stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If processing units are used sequentially one after another, then all coating steps can be completed, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating step completenessVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The carriage enables continuous lateral traversal across the workpiece width while performing multiple coating operations in a single pass. Instead of sequentially moving the workpiece through separate stations, the carriage continuously moves laterally while simultaneously executing adhesive application, heating, pressing, and other coating steps along its path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing paradigm from sequential longitudinal movement through multiple stations to simultaneous lateral traversal by a single carriage. Multiple processing units on the carriage operate in parallel along the lateral dimension, completing all coating steps in one continuous motion rather than sequential steps.

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

4Length of moving object

If a compact machine design is used, then space requirements are reduced, but processing capability may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine compactnessVSAvoidprocessing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The compact machine achieves full processing capability through a single carriage equipped with multiple processing units. This universal carriage design provides adhesive application, heating, pressure rolling, milling, and polishing capabilities in one integrated system, maintaining versatility while reducing machine footprint compared to linear arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine compensates for reduced longitudinal length by utilizing the lateral dimension across the workpiece width. The carriage traverses laterally to perform all necessary processing steps, enabling compact machine design without sacrificing processing capability or versatility.

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

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

Enables rapid, efficient, and flexible edgeband coating with reduced manual labor and machine complexity, suitable for small companies, by integrating multiple processing units on a single carriage that moves along a rail, reducing the need for duplicate stations and minimizing machine length.

Implementation Method 1

a heating device for activating an adhesive provided on an edge band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a feed device with a pressure element for pressing and fixing an edge band on a surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3684570B1Machine and method for coating workpieces
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 BES UG (HAFTUNGSBESCHRAENKT)
  • EP3684570B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3684570B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3684570B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A program-controlled machine (1) for coating workpieces (6), in particular wood-based material boards, comprises a machine table (2), on which the workpiece (6) can be releasably fixed by means of fixing means and a carriage (5), which can be displaced along the machine table (2), wherein an application unit (8) for adhesive and/or a heater (9) for activating an adhesive provided on an edge strip (21) is provided on the carriage. A feed device with a pressing element (9) for pressing and fixing an edge strip (21) on a surface of the workpiece (6) and one or more processing units for removing an overhang of the edge strip (21) on the workpiece (6) are also provided. The invention further relates to a method for coating workpieces (6) with an edge strip (21). A machine of this kind is easy to operate and can be loaded and unloaded both manually or by means of a device.