Edge Processing Method for Plate Workpiece Butt Joint Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing edge processing methods for plate-shaped workpieces face challenges in achieving optimal gluing quality, as the formation of butt joints can be inadequate, leading to inefficiencies in processing and quality control, particularly when using automated imaging methods for assessment.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a pressure device to move relative to the workpiece in one direction while applying a compressive force, passing over the joint area in both directions to compress the edge material and level out any protrusions, ensuring better joint quality before quality control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the pressure roller is lifted after passing over the joint and returned to a position in front of the curled area to level the wave, then the web edge contact with the workpiece is improved, but the process time is increased and multiple repetitions are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweb edge contact qualityVSAvoidprocess time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure roller is moved back and forth periodically over the joint area in opposite directions to repeatedly compress and level the web edge material. This periodic reciprocating motion continues until the wave is sufficiently leveled and the web edge makes adequate contact with the workpiece, transforming a single-pass limitation into a multi-phase corrective process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of only moving forward and lifting at the joint area, the pressure roller is inverted by moving it backward over the joint area as well. This bidirectional approach allows the roller to compress the web edge material from both directions, effectively leveling the wave and improving contact without requiring the roller to lift and reposition repeatedly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If the pressure device moves over the butt area in both directions to compress edge material, then the joint quality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebutt joint qualityVSAvoidpressure device control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure device is made dynamically controllable to move in both forward and backward directions over the joint area. The system incorporates dynamic control mechanisms that allow the pressure roller to reciprocate automatically, adjusting its position and pressure application in real-time based on the joint formation requirements, thereby managing complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach enhances the processing quality of the gluing process by ensuring a proper joint formation, reducing the need for subsequent corrections and improving the reliability of automated quality assessment.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure device (13, 14, 15) with which the edge strip (2) can be pressed by moving relative to the workpiece (3) in a first direction (X, -X) while exerting a compressive force on the edge strip (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a connecting means (11) provided on the edge strip (2) and/or the workpiece (3), in particular an adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

activating and/or reactivating, in particular heating, a connecting means provided on the edge strip and/or the workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4349553A1Edge processing method
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 IMA SCHELLING DEUT GMBH
  • EP4349553A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4349553A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4349553A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In the edge processing process, at least one edge strip (2, 2') is pressed onto the narrow side of a plate-shaped workpiece (3) made of wood or wood substitute by means of a pressure device (13, 14, 15) with relative movement of the pressure device (13, 14, 15) and the workpiece (3) in a first direction (R). During this process, a connecting element provided on the edge strip (2, 2') and/or the workpiece (3) is attached by activation, in particular by heating, wherein one end (2a') of the edge strip (2, 2') forms a butt area (S) on the workpiece (3) with the other end (2a) of the same edge strip (2, 2') or an end of another edge strip. In a further step, the butt area (S) is traversed at least once in a second direction (-R) opposite to the first direction (R) by at least one pressure device (13, 14, 15).