Modular Machining Assembly with Continuous Guide Rail Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining devices require high precision and low manufacturing tolerances, leading to increased costs and complexity in assembly, as all segments must be accurately aligned and manufactured together, limiting flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A modular machining device design featuring a continuous guide rail that connects modules, allowing for flexible assembly and customer-specific configurations, with pre-assembled processing units and standardized interfaces for easy component exchange and alignment, reducing manufacturing costs and increasing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If all segments are manufactured with high precision and low manufacturing tolerances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesegment alignment precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rail serves as an intermediary element that connects multiple modules together. Instead of requiring precise alignment between all module interfaces, the guide rail acts as a reference and connecting medium that simplifies the alignment process. The guide rail extends continuously through multiple modules, providing a common reference that reduces the precision requirements at each individual interface while maintaining overall system accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If all segments are manufactured with high precision and low manufacturing tolerances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesegment alignment precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is divided into separate modular segments that can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances. Each module contains a portion of the guide rail and can be produced separately using conventional manufacturing processes. This segmentation allows for easier and more cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining overall system precision through the continuous guide rail connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If sections are aligned very precisely during assembly, then manufacturing precision is improved, but assembly time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesection alignment precisionVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rail acts as a mediating element that simplifies the assembly process. By providing a continuous reference that spans multiple modules, the guide rail reduces the time and effort required for alignment during assembly. Modules can be connected more quickly to the guide rail rather than requiring precise alignment between multiple module interfaces simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a modular design with standardized interfaces is used, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule configuration flexibilityVSAvoidinterface alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into standardized modules that can be configured in different arrangements. Each module interfaces with the continuous guide rail rather than requiring precise alignment with other modules. This segmentation enables adaptability and reconfiguration while maintaining precision through the guide rail reference, rather than through module-to-module precision interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3575031B1Processing device and method for mounting same
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP3575031B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3575031B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3575031B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a machining device for machining a workpiece, comprising a continuous guide rail for a conveying device, in particular a chain conveyor, as well as a first module and a second module which are connected to each other by means of the continuous guide rail to form a base body.