Machining Device Multi-Dimensional Workpiece Re-Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing devices for wood and wood-based materials struggle with efficiently machining workpieces with varying contour heights, as they require constant clamping height and limited clamping surfaces, making it difficult to process workpieces with offset edges or those that have already been partially machined.

Innovation Solution

A processing device with relocatable workpiece holders that allow for re-clamping in multiple dimensions, enabling workpieces to be transferred between holders without additional manipulators, and featuring movable clamping elements that can adjust in multiple dimensions to accommodate varying workpiece heights and positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If workpiece holders with fixed clamping jaws are used, then the workpiece maintains constant height and position during clamping, but workpieces with varying contour heights or offset edges cannot be easily machined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstant height level during clampingVSAvoidability to machine workpieces with varying contour heights
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping jaws are made displaceable relative to the workpiece holder in at least one dimension, allowing them to adjust their position dynamically. This enables the workpiece holder to accommodate workpieces with varying heights and contours while maintaining stable clamping, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If only upper and lower bearing surfaces are used for clamping, then the clamping structure remains simple, but workpieces with limited clamping surfaces or already machined lateral profiles cannot be held properly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimple clamping structureVSAvoidability to clamp workpieces with limited surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The workpiece holder is designed with clamping jaws that can be positioned and oriented in multiple dimensions, enabling it to clamp workpieces not only on upper and lower surfaces but also on lateral surfaces and already machined profiles. This multi-functional capability allows the same holder to adapt to various workpiece geometries without requiring different clamping devices.

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

3Productivity

If workpieces are transferred between workpiece tables, then different sides of the workpiece can be processed, but the transfer process becomes complex requiring manipulators or additional feeding devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to process multiple sides of workpieceVSAvoidtransfer mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the workpiece holder with the workpiece table, integrating the holding and transfer functions into a single unit. The workpiece holder is displaceable on the workpiece table, allowing the workpiece to be transferred directly with its holder to another table without requiring separate manipulators or feeding devices, thus maintaining productivity while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Illumination intensity

If window frame part widths are reduced to increase light incidence, then more light enters living spaces, but the available clamping surfaces on the workpiece become increasingly limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight incidence in living spacesVSAvoidclamping surface area on workpiece
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes additional spatial dimensions by allowing clamping jaws to be displaceable in multiple directions relative to the workpiece holder. This enables clamping on lateral surfaces and already machined profiles of narrow window frame parts, effectively using the vertical and lateral dimensions to compensate for the reduced width and limited clamping surface area.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3356098A1Machining device
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 HOMAG GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a machining device (1, 101, 201), in particular for machining workpieces (2, 102) made from wood, wood materials, plastic or the like, having at least one workpiece table (3, 103, 104, 204) with a first workpiece holder (4, 108) for holding at least one workpiece (2, 102), furthermore with a second workpiece holder (5, 109) for holding at least one workpiece (2, 102), characterized in that the workpiece (2, 102) can be positioned in at least two dimensions, advantageously in three dimensions, during a re-clamping operation from the first workpiece holder (4, 108) into the second workpiece holder (5, 109).