Micro-hole Drilling Apparatus for Assembled Wooden Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing sound-absorbing wooden panels with micro-holes are costly, inflexible, and result in aesthetic and functional issues such as elliptical hole profiles and high equipment costs, particularly with laser drilling systems.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that performs micro-drilling on already assembled sound-absorbing panels using a combination of traditional machine technologies, including a hydraulic piston and adjustable die system, allowing for flexible processing of different panel formats with precise circular hole creation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If laser drilling systems are used to create micro-holes in coating sheets, then the ability to process assembled panels is improved, but aesthetic quality and functional performance deteriorate due to elliptical hole profiles and material burns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to process assembled panelsVSAvoidhole profile quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the laser drilling system (optical/thermal field) with a mechanical drilling system using a drill bit. This substitution eliminates the elliptical hole profile and burn issues caused by laser inclination while maintaining the ability to drill through assembled panels. The mechanical drill bit creates precise circular holes without the harmful thermal effects of laser drilling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the drilling parameters by using a mechanical drill bit with controlled rotation and feed rate, rather than a laser beam with fixed focal point and angle. This parameter change allows for perpendicular drilling through the coating sheet onto the base material, ensuring circular hole profiles and preventing material burns while maintaining versatility for assembled panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional two-phase production processes with separate coating sheet processing are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but production cost and flexibility deteriorate due to high roller costs and limited format adaptation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidformat and micro-hole variation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coating sheet micro-hole creation process with the base material drilling process into a single integrated operation. The drill bit simultaneously creates holes through both the coating sheet and the base material in one phase, eliminating the need for separate processing steps, expensive specialized rollers, and multiple production phases. This integration maintains process simplicity while dramatically improving flexibility for different panel formats and micro-hole specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If fixed-pitch press machines with synchronous material advancement are used, then manufacturing automation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited size and pitch variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronous material advancementVSAvoidpanel size and micro-hole pitch variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the drilling system, allowing the drill bit rotation speed, feed rate, and drilling pattern to be varied according to the specific panel format and micro-hole requirements. Unlike fixed-pitch press machines with synchronous advancement, this system can adapt its parameters in real-time to accommodate different panel sizes, shapes, and micro-hole pitch requirements while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The apparatus reduces production costs, enhances flexibility, and achieves precise, circular micro-holes without the drawbacks of laser drilling, enabling efficient and cost-effective processing of various panel sizes and designs.

Implementation Method 1

a piston of the hydraulic type with alternate fixed stroke, acting on the die

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a die (41) with a distribution of micro punches (412) driven in, for affecting the micro-holes on the panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP3900903B1Apparatus for the execution of sound absorbing panels with micro-holes

Publication Date: 2022.10.05 VITAP COSTR MECCANICHE

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AI summary

The present invention relates to the sector of processing wooden structural elements, and notably that of the production of sound absorbing panels. The invention relates in particular to an apparatus for the execution of sound absorbing panels of the so-called "micro-hole" type, which can be used for coating walls, ceilings and the like, or also for the manufacture of doors, leaves, items of furniture, partition elements or other furnishing components.