Flat Workpiece Machining with Reverse Conveying for Narrow Side Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Through-feed machines are inefficient when processing plate-shaped workpieces with varying numbers of narrow sides, as they require reordering and selective processing, leading to increased work and logistical challenges.

Innovation Solution

A method where a selected workpiece passes through the processing path again to process an additional narrow side, with the workpiece being conveyed back to the beginning of the path, allowing continuous processing without intermediate workpieces, and using a control device to identify and manage the sequence for efficient reprocessing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If through-feed machines process plate-shaped workpieces with varying numbers of narrow sides, then productivity is maintained, but additional work and logistical complexities increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing throughputVSAvoidlogistical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the processing sequence by allowing selected workpieces to be conveyed back through the processing path after initial processing. This dynamic repositioning enables the machine to handle varying narrow side requirements without stopping the production flow, resolving the contradiction between maintaining productivity and reducing logistical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device receives signals identifying which workpieces require additional processing on narrow sides and automatically adjusts the conveying sequence accordingly. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual sorting and reordering, reducing logistical complexity while maintaining continuous production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If workpieces are fed back to the throughfeed machine for selective processing, then additional narrow sides can be processed, but processing time and work increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying device continuously moves workpieces through the processing path without interruption. When a workpiece requires additional processing, it is seamlessly conveyed back through the same path rather than being removed and re-introduced, maintaining continuous useful action and minimizing processing time while preserving flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the initial processing path with the return processing path into a single continuous conveying system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate handling operations and allows additional processing to be integrated into the existing production flow, reducing total processing time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If workpieces are sorted out and processed separately, then additional narrow sides can be processed, but additional work and handling increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing flexibilityVSAvoidease of processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The through-feed machine is designed to perform both initial processing and additional processing functions using the same processing units and conveying system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate processing lines or additional handling operations, making the system easier to operate while maintaining the flexibility to handle varying workpiece requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If the processing sequence is maintained for throughfeed machine utilization, then productivity is optimized, but workpieces requiring additional processing cause logistical problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing throughputVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically manages the complex sequencing and repositioning of workpieces without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts the processing sequence based on incoming signals about which workpieces require additional processing, maintaining optimized throughput while simplifying operation by eliminating the need for manual sorting and sequence management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3090848B1Method for machining flat workpieces

Publication Date: 2019.05.01 IMA KLESSMANN GMBH HOLZBEARBEITUNGSSYSTEME

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AI summary

The device (6) for processing plate-shaped workpieces (1-5) has a processing section (9). The plate-shaped workpieces (1-5), in particular made of wood or wood substitutes, can be conveyed along the processing section (9) and processed in the area of one of their narrow sides during conveying. The device (6) is configured to convey a selected workpiece (3) back along the processing section (9) to enable re-processing of one narrow side of the selected workpiece (3). The device (6) has a control device configured to identify the selected workpiece (3) among a plurality of workpieces.