Machining Station With Multi-Axis Manipulators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining stations for processing plate- and board-like workpieces lack the ability to freely move tools in three-dimensional space for cutting and joining operations, limiting their versatility and efficiency in handling various workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A processing station with an elongated workpiece support gate, integrated support devices, and programmable multi-axis handling devices that carry multifunctional units with various tools, allowing for independent movement and tool exchange, enabling flexible processing and handling of workpieces without retooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional linear machines with fixed processing stations are used, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the versatility to process various workpieces with different tools is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements handling devices with multiple degrees of freedom that can carry different tools (drilling, milling, joining, measuring) and position them precisely in three-dimensional space. This allows a single machine to perform multiple processing functions on various workpiece types, achieving universality without requiring separate dedicated machines for each operation
Solution Approach 2:
The handling devices are designed with programmable multi-axis movement capabilities, allowing dynamic repositioning of tools and workpieces during processing. The system can adapt its configuration and motion paths based on the specific workpiece and required operations, providing flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple base structure
2Productivity
If multiple dedicated processing machines are arranged in a linear sequence, then each machine can be simple and specialized, but the overall system requires more space and time for workpiece transfer between stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing functions (drilling, milling, joining, measuring) into integrated handling devices that can perform multiple operations in sequence or parallel on the same workpiece without requiring physical transfer between separate machines. This consolidation eliminates transfer time and improves processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece remains continuously supported and processed on the workpiece support gate throughout the entire processing sequence. The handling devices can perform multiple operations without interrupting the workpiece flow, maintaining continuous productive action and minimizing idle time
3Adaptability or versatility
If tools are fixed in position for specific operations, then the setup is simple and reliable, but the ability to freely move tools to different workpiece positions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The handling devices incorporate programmable multi-axis movement systems that can dynamically position tools at any location within the three-dimensional working space. The programmable control ensures repeatable and reliable positioning accuracy, maintaining processing reliability while achieving full tool mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sophisticated control system as an intermediary between the operator and the physical tools. This control system manages the complex coordination of multiple axes and tools, ensuring reliable and precise tool positioning while allowing flexible movement to any required position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a machining station for machining panel- and/or board-like workpieces, comprising an elongated workpiece support grid (10), on which the workpieces (9) abut with one side in a displaceable manner, a support device (430) which is integrated into the workpiece support grid (10) and supports and/or fixes the workpieces (9) during machining, a transport system (2) for the workpieces (9), by which said workpieces are at least supported, guided and moved along the workpiece support grid (10), at least one handling device (7, 80) which is an automatically controlled, freely programmable multi-purpose manipulator that is movable in three or more axes, at least one multi-function unit (8) which is supported and guided by the respective handling device (7) and comprises at least two different tools (50, 70), wherein at least one tool (50, 70) can be brought into engagement on the workpiece (9) by the handling device (7, 80) for machining the stationary or moving workpiece (9). The present invention allows the development of a machining station, in which various tools are freely movable individually or in groups in the three-dimensional space, in order to machine plate- and/or board-like workpieces in a separating and/or joining manner and/or to handle said plate- and/or board-like workpieces.