Movable Holding Device for Window Profile Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for processing bar-shaped workpieces, such as window or door profiles, face reliability issues due to slippage during machining, leading to surface damage and inefficiencies in processing time, especially when handling different materials and operations like angled drainage slots and lock case milling.

Innovation Solution

A holding device that moves in the horizontal plane during processing, with a displaceable tong arm that remains floating or detached from the workpiece, ensuring secure guidance and allowing for synchronized movement of profile supports with servo drives and adjustable clamping elements for various profile shapes and sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the profile is held by the profile gripping pliers during machining, then the profile can be positioned and processed, but surface damage can occur due to slippage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess reliabilityVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the profile through a stationary holding device, the invention inverts the approach by making the holding device movable and transporting it together with the clamped profile. This reversal eliminates slippage between the gripping elements and profile, preventing surface damage while maintaining secure holding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device is merged with the transport mechanism, forming an integrated movable unit. The profile gripping pliers remain engaged with the profile throughout the transport and machining process, ensuring continuous secure holding without release and regripping operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the profile is held securely to prevent slippage, then surface damage is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device and transport mechanism are combined into a single integrated unit. This merger ensures that the profile remains securely clamped during transport without requiring separate gripping and transport systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device is designed to be movable rather than stationary, dynamically adapting to transport requirements. This dynamic design allows the same holding mechanism to serve both clamping and transport functions, avoiding the need for additional complex components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the profile is moved through stationary processing stations, then the processing sequence is simple, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing timeVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the profile through stationary tools, the invention inverts the motion by bringing the holding device with the clamped profile to the processing stations. This reversal enables continuous processing without release and regripping operations, significantly reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The profile remains continuously clamped throughout the entire process of transport and machining. This continuous holding eliminates interruptions for release and regripping at each processing station, maintaining uninterrupted productive action throughout the workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Strength

If the tong arm remains engaged during movement, then the profile is securely held, but surface damage can occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding strengthVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention reverses the traditional approach by making the holding device movable rather than stationary. The tong arm remains engaged with the profile during transport, but because the entire holding device moves with the profile, there is no relative motion or slippage that could cause surface damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable holding device acts as an intermediary between the profile and the external environment. It provides secure engagement while isolating the profile from harmful effects during transport, as the holding device absorbs all mechanical stresses without transmitting them to the profile surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2614941B1Method of using a device for processing rod-shaped workpieces, such as window or door profiles

Publication Date: 2014.08.27 SCHIRMER MASCH

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AI summary

The device (1) has a holding device (3) which clamps the window or door profile (2), for processing in horizontal X-plane. A transport device (5) for profile cooperates as a slidable arm (6) with profile gripper (7). The free end (8) of profile is positioned in the holding device in the horizontal plane for machining in the holding device. The holding device in the clamped state of profile is moved for section-wise processing in the horizontal X-plane. The slidable arm is mounted in the gripping state in horizontal direction floating powerless or is released from the profile.