Machine Tool Loading Device With Mobile Blocking Means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools and work centers face challenges in efficiently loading and unloading long, symmetrical pieces like chair parts, requiring multiple complex configurations and adjustments to accommodate different reference surfaces for various pieces.

Innovation Solution

A loading device with a magazine, mobile support, blocking means, and unloading mechanisms that utilize numeric control axes for precise positioning and handling of workpieces, allowing for automatic or semi-automatic loading and unloading of long pieces, with adjustable blocking elements and reference surfaces to accommodate different shapes and sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple complex configurations and adjustments are used to accommodate different reference surfaces for various pieces, then the machine tool can handle different shapes and sizes, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate different reference surfacesVSAvoidnumber of complex configurations and adjustments
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking means is designed to perform multiple functions: it blocks workpieces during machining, transfers workpieces from the magazine to the work area, and handles both loading and unloading operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized devices for each operation, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility across different workpiece types

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

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking means is made mobile along a numeric control translation axis, allowing dynamic repositioning to accommodate different workpiece configurations and reference surfaces. This dynamic capability enables the same blocking means to adapt to various workpiece geometries without requiring multiple fixed configurations or manual adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a limited number of elements are used for loading and unloading, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation may worsen due to multi-functional requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of elementsVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking means automatically performs both loading and unloading functions through its mobile design and integration with the magazine system. The system serves itself by using the same blocking means for both workpiece introduction and removal, eliminating the need for separate loading and unloading mechanisms and simplifying operation through automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the blocking means is raised in relation to the saddle, then the reliability is improved by avoiding tool collision, but the position adjustment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidposition adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking means is integrated with the mobile saddle and moves dynamically with it along the numeric control translation axis. This dynamic integration ensures that the blocking means maintains its raised position relative to the saddle while automatically adjusting to different work areas, avoiding tool collision without requiring separate position adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1719576B1A loading device for a machine tool or work centre and work centre including said loading device
Publication Date: 2008.04.02 PAOLINO BACCI SRL
  • EP1719576B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1719576B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1719576B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The loading device (31) includes in combination: a magazine (33) for the workpieces (P); a support (35) underneath said magazine for receiving single workpieces (P) from the magazine; blocking means to block the workpieces , said blocking means being mobile in relation to the magazine to get close to it and remove the workpieces and move away from it and transfer the pieces towards a work area; unloading means (39) to remove the worked pieces (P1) from said blocking means and transfer them to a area from where the worked pieces are removed.