Interchangeable Working Plane for Compact CNC Woodworking Centers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machining centers require multiple types of working planes for different machining operations, leading to inefficiencies and increased space requirements due to the need for separate setups for bar working and multifunction operations.

Innovation Solution

A machining center with an interchangeable working plane system, featuring a base with movable support bars and a multifunction plane module that can be positioned over the bars, using integrated moving means to switch between rest and working positions, allowing for automatic adaptation to various machining operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of working planes are used for different machining operations, then operational versatility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure is designed to support multiple types of working planes (bar working plane and multifunction working plane) through universal mounting mechanisms. The base includes standardized support means that can accommodate different working plane configurations, allowing a single base to perform multiple machining operations without requiring separate dedicated structures for each operation type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The working plane system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable. Working planes can be moved between different positions and configurations using moving means such as carriages that travel along the base. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt from a bar working plane configuration to a multifunction working plane configuration based on operational requirements, rather than being fixed in a single state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of working planes are used for different machining operations, then operational versatility is improved, but overall dimensions and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoidoverall dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The working planes are designed to be nested or stacked when not in use. The multifunction working plane can be positioned over the bar working plane or stored in a compact configuration along the base, minimizing the vertical and horizontal space occupied. This nesting approach allows multiple working planes to coexist in a compact arrangement rather than requiring separate dedicated spaces for each type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the vertical dimension to accommodate multiple working plane types. Instead of requiring horizontal space for separate working planes, the design allows working planes to be stacked or positioned at different vertical levels. The multifunction working plane can be elevated above the bar working plane when needed, and both can coexist within the same horizontal footprint by utilizing vertical space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If working planes are manually reconfigured for different operations, then adaptability is improved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automated moving means such as motorized carriages or positioning mechanisms that can automatically reconfigure the working plane setup based on programmed instructions or operator input. Rather than requiring manual disassembly and reassembly of working planes, the automated system performs the reconfiguration itself, reducing the time and labor required for setup changes while maintaining full adaptability to different machining operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed with pre-positioned support means and mounting points along the base that are prepared in advance for different working plane configurations. The moving means are pre-programmed with paths and positions for different operation types, allowing rapid transitions between configurations without requiring complex real-time adjustments. This preliminary preparation of the system architecture enables quick reconfiguration when operational requirements change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3584032B1Working center for wooden workpieces provided with an interchangeable working plane
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 SCM GRP
  • EP3584032B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3584032B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3584032B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention concerns a working center (C, C', C", C'"), for workpieces made in wood, ceramic, plastic, metal, glass, fiberglass and the like, comprising: a base (1, 1', 1") for standing on the ground; a working plane (2) coupled to said base (1, 1', 1") comprising a plurality of supporting bars (21), for supporting said workpieces; a working unit (3) movable along said base (1, 1', 1"); said working center (C, C', C", C'") being characterized in that it comprises: at least one multifunction plane module (22, 22', 22") which can be positioned in a working position over said plurality of supporting bars (21); moving means (31') for moving said at least one multifunction plane module (22, 22', 22") from a rest position to said working position; supporting means (11-12, 11'-12', 23-23'), coupled to said base (1, 1', 1"), for supporting said at least one multifunction plane module (22, 22', 22") for working said workpieces.