Machining Device with Segmented Processing Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining devices for workpieces, such as those made of wood or plastic, face inefficiencies due to time-consuming tool changes, which reduce cycle frequency and require a large number of tools, leading to increased processing time and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A processing device with a movable workpiece holder and a displaceable tool carriage, where additional units like drilling, milling, or labeling units are integrated on the workpiece holder, feed device, or frame, allowing for simultaneous machining with the tool carriage tool and utilizing downtime for other processing steps, reducing the need for multiple tools and optimizing tool storage space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tools are used for different machining steps on the tool carriage, then various machining operations can be performed, but tool change time increases and cycle frequency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining operation varietyVSAvoidcycle frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The machining device is segmented into multiple independent processing units: a tool carriage with at least one tool for primary machining, and additional units (drilling unit, milling unit, sawing unit, marking unit, etc.) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows different machining operations to be performed by dedicated units rather than requiring tool changes on a single carriage, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing tool change time and improving cycle frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of tools are stored for various machining steps, then all machining operations can be supported, but space requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining capabilityVSAvoidtool storage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs multiple specialized processing units (drilling unit, milling unit, sawing unit, marking unit, dowel setting unit, hook setting unit, insertion unit) that can be selectively engaged based on the required machining operation. Each unit is designed for a specific function, eliminating the need to store multiple interchangeable tools for general-purpose machining. This multi-functional architecture maintains comprehensive machining capability while significantly reducing tool storage space and device complexity compared to a single carriage system requiring numerous tool changes.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2998064B1Processing device
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP2998064B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2998064B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2998064B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a machining device (1, 101, 201, 301), in particular for machining workpieces (2, 102) made of wood, wood-based materials, plastic or the like, - comprising a device frame (3, 103) with a workpiece holder (5, 105), in particular fixed or movable, by means of which a workpiece (2, 102), in particular fixed or movable, is held and can be moved past a tool (13) in order to machine the workpiece (2, 102) by means of the tool (13), - comprising a guide device (11, 111) with a tool slide (12) arranged on the guide device (11, 111), in particular fixed or movable, with at least one tool (13) arranged thereon, so that the tool (13) is arranged in a fixed or movable manner, - comprising a movable workpiece feed device (7, 107), by means of which the workpiece (2, 102) is fed to the workpiece holder (5, 105) is feedable, wherein the device frame (3,103)at least one additional unit (16,116,216) for machining the workpiece (2,102) is arranged on the workpiece holder (5,105), on the guide device (11,111) and/or on the workpiece feed device (7,107).