Machine Tool Loading Bars With Lift-Abutment Workpiece Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools for woodworking and similar materials lack efficient auxiliary loading devices that allow for comfortable, safe, and precise loading of pieces, especially when loading multiple pieces simultaneously, as they only provide movement perpendicular to the working plane, leaving the operator to handle the piece's movement parallel to the bars, which is cumbersome and imprecise.
Innovation Solution
The machine tool is equipped with improved auxiliary loading devices that include a lifting element movable in a direction perpendicular to the working plane, and an abutment element integrated with the lifting element, allowing the piece to be positioned and abutted against the abutment element when the lifting element is in the raised position, facilitating easier and more precise loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only a lifting element is provided to move pieces perpendicular to the working plane, then the loading device structure is simple, but the operator cannot comfortably and precisely position pieces parallel to the bars
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lifting element and positioning element into a single integrated auxiliary loading device. The lifting element moves perpendicular to the working plane while the positioning element moves parallel to the bars, and both are coupled to work together for comprehensive piece positioning, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension of movement by introducing the positioning element that moves parallel to the bars, complementing the existing lifting element that moves perpendicular to the working plane. This two-dimensional positioning capability enables comfortable and precise loading without excessive structural complexity
2Measurement precision
If the operator manually positions pieces parallel to the bars without auxiliary positioning devices, then the loading device structure is simple, but the positioning accuracy and operator safety are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the piece positioning process. It provides the necessary positioning accuracy parallel to the bars while maintaining a relatively simple structure that integrates with the existing lifting mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary loading device is segmented into distinct functional elements: the lifting element for perpendicular movement and the positioning element for parallel movement. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device structure manageable
3Productivity
If multiple pieces are loaded simultaneously without improved auxiliary devices, then the loading process is faster, but the operator strain and imprecision increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary loading device with both lifting and positioning elements provides universal functionality that handles multiple pieces simultaneously. The coordinated movement of both elements enables the operator to load multiple pieces at once while maintaining comfort and precision, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation
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
The improved auxiliary loading devices enable comfortable, safe, and precise loading of pieces, allowing for simultaneous loading of multiple pieces while reducing operator strain and improving positioning accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting element to support the piece, in which the lifting element is movable in a second direction perpendicular to the working plane, between a first lowered position and a second raised position with respect to the working plane
Implementation Method 2
an abutment element, arranged on the lifting element, to move the piece with relative motion towards the abutment element, so as to be abutting against the abutment element, when the lifting element is in the second raised position
Implementation Method 3
Vacuum transmission channels are arranged along the bars, connected to a vacuum pump
Implementation Method 4
compressed air transmission channels are arranged along the bars, connected to a compressed air network
Data Source
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Figure 6A~7
AI summary
The present invention concerns a machine (M) for machining a piece (P) made of wood or similar materials, in composite, polymeric, ceramic, or other materials, comprising: a working plane (1) having one or more bars (2), which mainly extend in a first direction (Y); and one or more loading auxiliary devices (4), each associated with at least one respective of said bars (2), wherein each auxiliary device (4) comprises at least one lifting element (41), to support said piece (P), wherein said lifting element (41) is movable in a second direction (Z) perpendicular to said working plane (1), between a first lowered position (T) and a second raised position (V) with respect to said working plane (1); wherein said machine (M) is characterized in that each of said one or more loading auxiliary devices (4) comprises at least one abutment element (42; 42'), arranged on said lifting element (41), for positioning said piece (P) abutting against said abutment element (42; 42'), when said lifting element (41) is in said second raised position (V). The present invention also concerns a method of operation of a machine (M).