Furniture Joining Press Loading for Fast Variant Changeovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joining presses in the wood processing industry, particularly in furniture production, lack flexibility and require extensive conversion when switching between different furniture constructions, leading to reduced productivity due to high non-productive times.
Innovation Solution
A joining device with handling devices that can move components to opposite sides of the press, allowing for flexible loading and positioning, including the use of robots and multifunctional grippers, which reduces the complexity of the press and enables quick transfer of components into the processing area, thereby facilitating the production of various furniture variants with high efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If joining presses are adapted to specific furniture designs with high automation, then productivity for that specific design is improved, but flexibility to manufacture different furniture variants deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device is designed as a universal system that can handle multiple types of components (side panels, bases, top panels, cross members, etc.) through programmable robotic manipulation. The device performs multiple functions including feeding, positioning, and holding components for different furniture designs, eliminating the need for design-specific joining presses while maintaining high productivity across variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic, programmable handling devices (robots) that can adapt their movements and positioning to different furniture designs through software control. This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical hardware to efficiently manufacture various furniture types by changing operational parameters rather than physical configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If joining presses are extensively modified to accommodate different furniture constructions, then adaptability is improved, but downtime increases reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
Components are pre-positioned and pre-assembled by the handling device before entering the joining press. The robotic system prepares components in advance by feeding them into the press in the correct sequence and orientation, eliminating the need for extensive modifications during production switches. This preliminary preparation allows rapid transition between different furniture designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical modification systems with programmable robotic handling devices. Instead of physically reconfiguring the joining press for different designs, the system uses software-controlled robots to adapt component feeding and positioning, dramatically reducing changeover time while maintaining full adaptability to different furniture constructions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple holding devices are integrated into the joining press to accommodate all components, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding function is extracted from the joining press and transferred to the external handling device. The robotic system performs all component holding, positioning, and feeding operations outside the press, allowing the press itself to remain simple and focused solely on the joining operation. This extraction reduces press complexity while maintaining the ability to handle all component types.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling device acts as an intermediary between the component supply and the joining press. It mediates all interactions with components, including holding, positioning, and feeding them into the press in the correct sequence. This intermediary role eliminates the need for complex internal holding mechanisms within the press while ensuring all component types are properly managed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a joining device for joining an assembly, in particular a piece of furniture comprising several components, and to a method for joining an assembly. Such a joining device is used particularly in the woodworking industry, for example in furniture manufacturing.