Movable Gripping Devices for Large Panel Cutting Waste Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for processing large-format panels result in waste due to the limitations of clamping devices that restrict the movement and positioning of milling tools, leading to unavoidable waste during cutting and separation.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using movable gripping devices that can be controlled individually to perform back cuts and separating cuts around the circumference of the panel, allowing for the removal of waste before separation and enabling flexible cutting patterns without hindrance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If clamping devices are used to hold the panel during processing, then the panel can be securely positioned and processed, but the working areas of the clamping devices limit the freedom of movement and positioning of the milling tool

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel positioning stabilityVSAvoidmilling tool positioning freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping devices are made movable in both X and Y directions, allowing them to be repositioned dynamically during the processing of different panels. This enables the gripping elements to be moved out of the way when necessary, providing freedom of movement for the milling tool while maintaining secure panel holding when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping device is divided into multiple independently controllable gripping elements. These segmented elements can be individually positioned and controlled, allowing specific elements to be moved or released to accommodate milling tool access while other elements continue to hold the panel securely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the panel is fixed at the edge with clamping devices, then clean and precise cuts can be achieved, but waste is generated at the points where the clamping devices are applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut precisionVSAvoidpanel waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The movable gripping elements can be repositioned to the edge of the panel only when needed for securing the panel, and moved away during cutting operations. This dynamic positioning allows precise cuts to be made without the gripping elements interfering with the cut line, thereby eliminating waste generation at clamping points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping elements are positioned and the panel is secured before the cutting process begins. Once the panel is firmly held, the gripping elements can be moved to appropriate positions that do not interfere with subsequent cutting operations, allowing precise cuts to be made without generating waste at clamping locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If immovable gripping elements are used to hold the panel, then the panel can be securely clamped, but the working points of the clamping tools must be taken into account when specifying the cutting plan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel clamping securityVSAvoidcutting plan complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping elements are made movable and can be repositioned dynamically during processing. This eliminates the need to permanently account for fixed clamping points in the cutting plan, as the gripping elements can be moved to any position as needed, simplifying the cutting plan design process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable gripping elements can be positioned at various locations on the panel depending on the specific processing requirements. This universal positioning capability means the gripping device can adapt to different panel sizes, shapes, and cutting patterns without requiring specific fixed clamping points, thereby simplifying cutting plan specification.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2799197B1Method of machining a large panel
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 IMA KLESSMANN GMBH HOLZBEARBEITUNGSSYSTEME
  • EP2799197B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2799197B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2799197B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for processing a large-format panel (1). According to the invention, the panel (1) is provided with cutouts along its circumference before being separated. For this purpose, the panel (1) is held with at least one gripping device (2, 3) movable in two directions (X, Y) and processed with a processing unit.