Machine Tool Pneumatic Head Interface With Single-Air-Line Actuation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Pneumatic actuation systems in machine tools require two separate compressed air lines for piston extraction and withdrawal, leading to increased costs and system dimensions, compromising efficiency and industrial costs.

Innovation Solution

A pneumatic actuation system utilizing a single compressed air supply line, where the piston-cylinder assembly includes a silencer filter, and pressure control units manage air flow to lower and raise the piston through pressure adjustments, allowing for both operations with a single air line.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two separate compressed air lines are used for piston extraction and withdrawal, then reliable operation is achieved, but system cost and dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepiston operation reliabilityVSAvoidpneumatic system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate pneumatic circuits (extraction and withdrawal) into a single integrated circuit. The piston-cylinder assembly uses one compressed air line that serves both functions: supplying air to the first chamber for extraction and to the second chamber for withdrawal, eliminating the need for separate air lines and reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single compressed air line performs multiple functions by selectively supplying air to different chambers. The same air line serves both extraction and withdrawal operations, making the pneumatic system multi-functional and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable operation

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

2Reliability

If two separate compressed air lines are used for piston extraction and withdrawal, then complete pneumatic control is achieved, but overall system dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepneumatic control completenessVSAvoidpneumatic system volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate pneumatic circuits into one integrated system. The single compressed air line replaces two separate lines, and the piston-cylinder assembly with two chambers shares a common air supply, reducing the overall volume required for the pneumatic system while maintaining complete control over piston extraction and withdrawal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single compressed air line is used, then system cost and dimensions are reduced, but control precision must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepneumatic system complexityVSAvoidpiston position control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different pressure conditions in different chambers of the piston-cylinder assembly. The first chamber receives compressed air for extraction while the second chamber receives compressed air for withdrawal, allowing precise local control of piston position despite using a single overall air supply line

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains control precision by changing pressure parameters selectively in different chambers. By controlling the pressure in the first and second chambers independently through the single air line, the system achieves precise piston position control while reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration reduces overall costs and dimensions by enabling efficient control of the piston-cylinder assembly with a single air supply line, enhancing operational efficiency and economic advantages.

Implementation Method 1

The piston-cylinder assembly (3) has a first (33) and a second (34) chamber, separated by a piston (32), movable in the cylinder (31)... upon command increase the pressure in said first chamber (33) of said cylinder (31) by means of the compressed air coming from said air supply line (2), so that the pressure in said first chamber (33) of said cylinder (31) is greater than that in said second chamber (34) of said cylinder (31), for lowering said piston (32)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

said piston-cylinder assembly (3) can comprises a silencer filter connected to said second chamber (34)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3513907B1Machine tool and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 SCM GRP
  • EP3513907B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3513907B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3513907B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Described is a machine tool (M) for machining pieces (P) made of wood or at least partially wood, plastic, glass, marble, composite material, or the like, comprising a base (M1) comprising a supporting surface and a blocking system for supporting and blocking the piece to be machined, a crossbeam (M2) placed above said base and movable relative thereto along a first direction (X), a machining head (M3) coupled with said crossbeam (M2) and movable relative thereto along a second direction (Y) perpendicular to said first direction (X) and along a third direction (Z) perpendicular to said first (Y) and second direction (X), a machining aggregate (M4) for machining said pieces, removably coupled with said machining head (M3), a pneumatic actuation system (1) for the actuation of said machining aggregate (M4), associated with said machining head (M3) and having an air supply line (2), and wherein said machining head (M3) has at its end a flat interface with said machining aggregate (M4) up to which said air supply line (2) is guided, said machine (M) being characterized in that said pneumatic actuation system (1) comprises a pressure control unit (U) of said air supply line configured for: blowing air through said air supply line (2) to supply compressed air to said machining aggregate (M4) to perform a first operation, and sucking air through said air supply line (2) to generate vacuum for said machining aggregate (M4) to perform a second operation. The invention also relates to method for operation of a machine tool (M).