Modular Processing Chamber Layout for Easier Machine Unit Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional processing systems require accurate positioning of handling devices and processing parts, making installation cumbersome and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A processing system comprising a processing chamber unit with a window and a conveyor, and a processing machine unit that covers the window, allowing for easy installation and alignment of processing parts relative to the workpiece.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the handling device and processing parts are accurately positioned, then the processing precision is improved, but the installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into independent modular units: processing chamber units with integrated conveyors and separate processing machine units. Each unit can be manufactured and positioned independently, then assembled together. The window on the processing chamber unit serves as a predefined interface that simplifies alignment during assembly, reducing installation complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The window structure acts as an intermediary element between the processing chamber unit and the processing machine unit. It provides a standardized interface that facilitates precise positioning and alignment during installation. The window serves as a reference feature that guides the placement of processing machine units, thereby simplifying the installation process while ensuring accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple processing machine units are installed around a handling device, then the processing capability is improved, but the installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multiple independent processing machine units that can be manufactured separately and installed independently around the processing chamber unit. Each unit is a self-contained module with standardized interfaces (windows), allowing for parallel installation processes. This modular approach enables faster overall installation compared to integrating multiple processing parts into a single complex unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The processing machine units are designed with universal interfaces (windows on the processing chamber unit) that can accommodate different types of processing operations. This standardization allows for rapid deployment and installation of multiple units without requiring custom integration work for each unit, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining enhanced processing capability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4534241A1Processing system
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 SUGINO MACHINE
  • EP4534241A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4534241A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4534241A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a processing system including a plurality of processing machine units that can be easily installed. The processing system (1) includes: a processing chamber unit (100) configured to accommodate a workpiece (10), the processing chamber unit (100) including, a wall portion (11) having a window (21), and a conveyor (30) surrounded by the wall portion (11), the conveyor (30) configured to grip and convey the workpiece (10) to a processing position (40) opposing to the window (21); and a processing machine unit (200) disposed to cover the window (21), the processing machine unit (200) including a processing part (60) configured to process the workpiece (10) located at the processing position (40) through the window (21).