Movable Machining Area Partition for Chip Separation in Woodworking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Woodworking machines face challenges in maintaining a compact design while preventing chip contamination and damage between processing tables, as existing solutions either compromise on space or restrict tool diameters, limiting processing capacity and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A movable separating element with its own drive is introduced between processing areas, allowing for variable separation and chip diversion to suction devices, enabling efficient chip management regardless of tool diameters and allowing for flexible processing area adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a compact design with two worktables is used, then installation space is reduced, but chip contamination between worktables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The machining space is segmented into multiple independent machining areas by movable partition elements. Each machining area can be independently separated to prevent chip contamination while maintaining a compact overall machine structure. The partition elements divide the workspace into isolated zones where chips generated in one area cannot affect other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Movable partition elements act as intermediary structures between machining areas. These partitions serve as physical barriers that prevent direct contact between chips from one worktable and workpieces or components on another worktable, thereby eliminating the contamination problem while preserving compact design.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed separating elements are used, then chip contamination is prevented, but workpiece size limitations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The partition elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be repositioned or removed based on the size and type of workpiece being machined. This dynamic configuration enables the machine to handle a wide range of workpiece sizes while maintaining effective chip separation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation parameters (position, extent, configuration of partitions) can be changed according to the specific machining requirements. This allows the machine to adapt to different workpiece dimensions and machining operations, eliminating the size limitations imposed by fixed separating elements.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If chip deflectors mounted on spindles are used, then chip deflection is achieved, but tool diameter restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chip deflection function is extracted from the spindle/tool assembly and relocated to independent movable partition elements. This separation allows the chip deflection mechanism to operate independently of tool diameter constraints, as the partitions are not attached to or dependent on the machining tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable partition elements serve as universal chip deflection devices that can effectively manage chips generated by tools of various diameters. Unlike spindle-mounted deflectors that are limited by tool size, these independent partitions provide universal chip control across different tool types and sizes.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If extraction hoods are integrated, then chip extraction is improved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chip extraction function is merged with the movable partition elements themselves. The partitions are designed to guide and concentrate chips toward extraction points, eliminating the need for separate, space-consuming extraction hoods while maintaining effective chip removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip extraction system is nested within the compact machine structure by integrating extraction functionality into the movable partition elements. This nested arrangement allows efficient chip extraction without requiring additional external extraction hoods that would increase installation space requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine tool and to a method by means of which workpieces of, for example, wood or wood materials can be machined. Such a machine tool and such a method can be used in the field of furniture production or component production. A separating element is provided. A first machining region can be at least partly separated from a second machining region by the separating element.