5-Axis Gluing Unit for Inclined Panel Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machining centers with gluing units for panel-shaped workpieces, particularly those made of wood or wood-based materials, face challenges in efficiently handling inclined narrow surfaces and require complex control systems and electrical interfaces, making them difficult to adapt to different edge geometries and products.
Innovation Solution
A 5-axis machining center with a 5-axis head that integrates a gluing unit, allowing for positional flexibility and omission of electrical interfaces, using 5-axis kinematics and a thermally insulated glue container with alternative energy sources, and a feed unit driven mechanically, enabling gluing on non-linear surfaces without additional swivel axes or electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional edgebanding units with inclined rollers or conical rollers are used to press down workpiece edges, then the gluing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and adaptability to different edge geometries decreases due to fixed geometry requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed inclined rollers with a dynamically adjustable gluing unit that can adapt its position and angle to match different workpiece edge geometries. The gluing unit is mounted on the 5-axis head, allowing it to be positioned and oriented dynamically according to the specific edge requirements through the 5-axis kinematics system.
Solution Approach 2:
The gluing unit is designed as a universal component that can handle various edge geometries and workpiece types. By mounting it on the 5-axis head with universal positioning capabilities, a single gluing unit design can serve multiple functions across different machining scenarios without requiring geometry-specific components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If controlled swivel axes with complex control technology and electrical interfaces are used to allow tilting according to workpiece inclination, then the adaptability to inclined surfaces is improved, but the device complexity and control system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gluing unit with the 5-axis head system, utilizing the existing 5-axis positioning and orientation capabilities to handle inclined surfaces. This integration eliminates the need for separate controlled swivel axes and their associated electrical interfaces, as the 5-axis head already provides the necessary degrees of freedom for positioning the gluing unit on inclined workpiece surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The gluing unit leverages the self-service capability of the 5-axis head system, which automatically positions and orients the tool according to programmed coordinates. The system uses the existing 5-axis kinematics to automatically adapt to inclined surfaces without requiring additional active control systems or electrical interfaces in the gluing unit itself.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional gluing units with electrical interfaces are used for precise control, then the gluing precision is maintained, but the ease of replacement and integration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gluing unit is designed to be self-sufficient by utilizing the 5-axis head's existing positioning precision and control capabilities. It does not require its own electrical interfaces or active control systems, as it leverages the precision already provided by the 5-axis positioning system through mechanical coupling alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The gluing unit is designed as a simple, easily replaceable component without complex electrical connections. This simplifies its design and manufacturing, allowing it to be quickly changed or replaced like a standard tool, reducing integration complexity and maintenance requirements.
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
Facilitates easy integration and replacement of the gluing unit, reduces complexity in control technology, and allows for efficient gluing on inclined surfaces, enhancing adaptability and operational simplicity while maintaining precise temperature control for the glue.
Implementation Method 1
the gluing unit (3) includes a thermally insulated glue container (6)
Implementation Method 2
The heating unit requires energy to heat the glue. This energy can be supplied in various ways. For example, compressed air from the heating unit can be converted into electrical energy by means of a small turbine and a generator
Implementation Method 3
A friction roller, which rolls on the workpiece, is preferably used for this purpose
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a machining center (1) for machining plate-shaped workpieces (10), which preferably consist at least partially of wood, wood-based materials, plastic or the like, with an interchangeable gluing unit (3) that can be attached to a 5-axis head for gluing an edge material (8) to a narrow surface (12) of the plate-shaped workpiece (10).