Edgebanding Conveyor with Crossing Return Path

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing devices for machining panel-shaped workpieces face inefficiencies in utilizing processing units due to gaps caused by varying workpiece dimensions, leading to dead times and reduced productivity.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing a continuous circulatory conveyor path with no clocked manipulations, where workpieces move in a continuous forward movement, allowing optimized distance placement and buffering to maintain optimal processing unit utilization, with the return path crossing the processing path to enable efficient edge processing without rotation, and using transfer devices for efficient feeding and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If workpieces are processed with clocked manipulations and fixed cycle times, then processing units can operate with defined rhythms, but gaps arise between workpieces of different dimensions causing dead times and reduced productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveutilization of processing unitsVSAvoiddead times between workpieces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system transitions from fixed clocked manipulations to continuous dynamic movement, where workpieces are conveyed without interruption at variable speeds. The conveying speed can be dynamically adjusted based on workpiece dimensions and processing requirements, eliminating dead times caused by fixed cycle times and enabling optimal utilization of processing units regardless of workpiece size variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous conveyance of workpieces through the processing line without interruption or stopping. Workpieces move continuously past processing units, eliminating idle periods between operations. This continuous action ensures that processing units operate without dead times, maintaining productive work throughout the entire cycle even when processing workpieces of different dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Adaptability or versatility

If workpieces are rotated between processing sections to access different narrow sides, then all sides can be edged, but additional manipulation time and complexity are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to process all narrow sidesVSAvoidrotation and portal transfer mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating workpieces vertically to access different sides, the patent uses a dual-conveyor arrangement where workpieces are conveyed in opposite directions on parallel paths. Processing units are positioned on both sides of the workpiece flow, allowing edging of opposite narrow sides simultaneously without rotation. This dimensional reconfiguration eliminates complex rotation mechanisms while maintaining the ability to process all workpiece sides

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3037228B1Device and method for machining plate-shaped workpieces

Publication Date: 2017.03.15 IMA KLESSMANN GMBH HOLZBEARBEITUNGSSYSTEME

AI summary

The device (1) for processing, in particular for edgebanding, sheet-shaped workpieces, especially workpieces made of wood or wood-based materials, has a recirculating conveyor for conveying the workpieces in a closed loop. The recirculating conveyor has a processing section (2) for processing, in particular for edgebanding, opposite narrow sides of the workpieces (5) and a return section (3) for returning the workpieces (5) to enable them to pass through the processing section (2) again. Viewed from above, the recirculating conveyor is designed such that the processing section (2) intersects the return section (3).