Integrated Drilling Milling Unit in Glass Edge Grinding Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machining processes for glass, marble, and stone materials require separate steps for grinding edges and drilling/milling, leading to low quality, long production times, and inefficient use of space, with existing standalone machines offering poor quality and productivity.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a drilling/milling unit within the transfer unit between the grinding machine units allows for simultaneous drilling and milling operations on plates at different levels, utilizing a suction-operated withholding member and interchangeable tool heads to perform operations on plates during transfer, reducing the need for additional machines and optimizing production flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate dedicated machines are used for drilling and milling operations downstream of grinding machines, then drilling and milling operations can be performed, but production time is excessively lengthened and productivity is penalized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drilling and milling operations into the transfer unit that already exists in the grinding line. The transfer unit is equipped with a drilling/milling head that can perform these operations while the plate is being transferred between grinding units, eliminating the need for separate dedicated machines and reducing production time.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling and milling operations are performed during the transfer phase before the plate reaches the next grinding unit. This preliminary action allows machining operations to be completed in advance, avoiding additional stopping time and maintaining continuous production flow.
2Productivity
If separate dedicated machines are used for drilling and milling operations, then drilling and milling can be performed, but space occupied in the workplace increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling and milling functions are merged into the existing transfer unit structure, eliminating the need for separate dedicated machines that would occupy additional workplace space. This integration optimizes space utilization by using already-present equipment for multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer unit is designed to perform multiple functions: transferring plates between grinding units, supporting plates during machining, and performing drilling and milling operations. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of machines needed and minimizes workplace space requirements.
3Productivity
If standalone unilateral machines are used for grinding, drilling, and milling operations, then all operations can be performed in one machine, but the quality of result and level of productivity are very low
Solution Approach 1:
The machining process is segmented into specialized units: a first machine unit for grinding first edges, a transfer unit for drilling/milling operations, and a second machine unit for grinding opposite edges. Each unit is optimized for its specific function, maintaining high quality while improving overall productivity through specialization rather than using a single unilateral machine for all operations.
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 integrated solution enhances productivity by eliminating the need for separate loading and unloading of plates, reduces production time, and improves the quality of edge grinding and machining, while minimizing space requirements and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a suction-operated withholding member designed to be brought into contact with a face of the plate for withholding it in position during execution of drilling/milling operations
Data Source
AI summary
A machine (1) for grinding the edges of plates (L) of glass, marble, and stone materials in general comprises a first machine unit (3) for simultaneously grinding two opposite edges of a plate (L) to be machined set horizontally whilst the aforesaid plate is advanced in a first direction (A). The machine also comprises a second machine unit (5) set downstream of the first unit (3) to advance the plate in a second direction (B) orthogonal to the first direction (A) and machine the remaining edges. The machine (1) is provided with at least one drilling/milling unit (20) for carrying out drilling and/or milling operations on the plates (L). The drilling/milling unit (20) is associated to a transfer unit (4, 6) of the plates, which is interposed between (4) the first machine unit (3) and the second machine unit (5), or alternatively set immediately downstream (6) of the second machine unit (5).