Modular Machining Unit Alignment for Multi-Step Workpiece Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining devices are limited in performing multiple processing operations on a workpiece efficiently due to the need for precise alignment and the inability to adapt to different machining processes without significant modifications, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing precision and speed.

Innovation Solution

A machining device with multiple synchronized machining units supported by a base frame system, allowing for precise alignment and easy exchange of processing units, along with a centering device for positional alignment and a fixing device for secure attachment, enabling multiple processing steps on a single workpiece without the need for realignment between devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple machining units are arranged to perform multiple processing operations on a workpiece, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to cumulative alignment errors between units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple processing operationsVSAvoidalignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The machining device is divided into multiple independent machining units (first machining unit, second machining unit, etc.), each capable of performing specific processing operations. These segmented units are arranged between the upper and lower base frames, allowing each unit to be independently aligned and adjusted while contributing to the overall multi-functional capability of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Centering devices are introduced as intermediary components between adjacent machining units. Each centering device includes a centering element on one machining unit and a complementary centering element on the adjacent machining unit, serving as a mediator to establish precise positional relationships and reduce cumulative alignment errors across multiple units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If machining units are fixed to perform specific operations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when different machining processes are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidprocess flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The machining units are designed with movable and adjustable characteristics. The upper and lower base frames can move relative to each other, and machining units can be repositioned along the base frames. This dynamic configuration allows the same device to adapt to different machining processes while maintaining precision through the centering devices that ensure accurate positioning regardless of the specific operation being performed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If machining units are designed as modular components for easy exchange, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunit exchangeabilityVSAvoidalignment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Centering devices serve as standardized intermediary components that simplify the complexity of aligning multiple modular machining units. By providing pre-designed centering elements and complementary centering elements with defined geometric relationships, the system reduces the complexity of alignment procedures while enabling easy exchange of machining units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The centering devices are designed as universal components that can be applied between any adjacent machining units. The standardized centering elements and complementary centering elements create a universal interface that works across all unit combinations, reducing the need for unit-specific alignment procedures and simplifying the overall device complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3533597B1Device for processing at least one workpiece
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 FRITZ STEPPER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3533597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3533597B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3533597B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a machining device for machining at least one workpiece, comprising a machining unit (10a) which has a frame (11) with a frame upper part (11a) and a frame lower part (11b) which are movable relative to each other, wherein a module upper part (12a) and a module lower part (12b) of a machining module (12) of the machining unit (10a) are arranged on the frame upper part (11a) and on the frame lower part (11b). According to the invention, the machining device (1) comprises at least one further machining unit (10b-10d), the machining device has an upper base frame (2a) and a lower base frame (2b), the at least two machining units (10a-10d) are arranged between the upper base frame (2a) and the lower base frame (2b) of the machining device (1), and the upper and/or the lower base frame (2a, 2b) of the processing device (1) are movable relative to each other,and that at least one base frame (2a, 2b) extends over the at least two machining units (10a-10d), and that the machining device (1) has at least one centering device (20; 20', 20") by which a machining unit (10a-10d) can be aligned with respect to at least one adjacent machining unit (10b-10d).