Machining Unit for Boundary Surfaces of Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processing machines are limited in their ability to efficiently and flexibly process the boundary surfaces of three-dimensional objects with stiff and/or rigid interfaces, particularly those with curved or arched surfaces, such as bottles and containers, as they often require manual alignment and cannot handle multiple surfaces in a single production run effectively.
Innovation Solution
A processing machine with multiple, stationarily arranged processing stations and handling devices that can move bodies along defined paths, allowing for the simultaneous processing of several bodies with different types of surfaces, including inkjet printing, laser, and screen printing, and featuring a control system for optimizing the use of processing stations and handling devices to increase throughput and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual alignment is used for processing bodies with curved surfaces, then flexibility in handling different surface types is improved, but processing speed and throughput deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The processing machine is divided into multiple independent processing stations (first processing station, second processing station, etc.), each capable of performing specific operations on different boundary surfaces of the body. The handling device transfers the body sequentially between these stations, enabling parallel processing of multiple surfaces without requiring manual realignment, thus maintaining both flexibility and high throughput.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processing stations are added to handle different boundary surfaces, then processing capability and versatility are improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device is designed as a universal transfer mechanism that can position the body at multiple different processing stations. Each processing station is equipped with adjustable processing units that can adapt to different boundary surfaces (lateral surface, base surface, etc.), reducing the need for entirely separate dedicated equipment for each surface type and thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the body is repositioned for processing different surfaces, then comprehensive boundary surface processing is improved, but processing time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device continuously transfers the body from one processing station to the next in a sequential manner without interrupting the production flow. The automated transfer mechanism eliminates manual repositioning time, and the linear arrangement of processing stations allows the body to be processed on multiple surfaces in a single continuous pass through the machine, maintaining constant productive action throughout.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machining unit for machining the boundary surfaces of a body (07), wherein: the body has a lateral surface (54) and a base surface (27) as boundary surfaces; the machining unit has at least one machining station (02; 03; 04; 06) and at least one device for transferring the body (07) from a first machining position into a second machining position; the device has a gripping device (57) for gripping the body (07); the machining unit has two opposing elements (28; 29) of a clamping means; the body (07) in its first machining position is fixed at each of its end faces between the two opposing elements (28; 29) of the clamping means; the gripping device (57) is rigidly connected to a rotatable shaft (59); the body (07), picked up by the gripping device (57) and removed from its fixed state, can be transferred into its second machining position by means of a rotational movement of the shaft (59); and this body (07) is positioned on the machining station (02; 03; 04; 06) such that in its first machining position its lateral surface (54) is machined, and in its second machining position its base surface (27) is machined.