Movable Stop and Slide Guidance for Precise Workpiece Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools for cutting workpieces, such as support rails, often require complicated manual insertion and lack efficient guidance mechanisms, especially for long and rod-shaped materials, leading to inaccurate and labor-intensive cutting processes.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool with a drivable stop element and actuable slide elements that move the workpiece into a machining position, using a cutting tool with a through-opening and clamping mechanism, and a control unit for precise positioning, allowing for automatic cutting of workpieces to a predefined length without rigid stops, enabling trouble-free feeding and precise cutting of long workpieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual insertion of workpiece is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidease of workpiece insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drivable stop element automatically moves the workpiece into the machining position without manual intervention. The stop element is driven by a drive mechanism that propels it along the guide rail, causing the workpiece to be fed automatically into the cutting zone, thereby eliminating the need for complicated manual insertion while maintaining relatively simple device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The stop element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be driven along the guide rail to dynamically feed the workpiece. This dynamic positioning capability enables automatic workpiece feeding while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If fixed side stops are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates for long workpieces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidcutting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional fixed mechanical stops with a driven stop element that moves along a guide rail. This substitution allows for more precise control of workpiece positioning through the drive mechanism while maintaining relatively simple device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If drivable stop element is used, then productivity is improved through automated feeding, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated cutting capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drivable stop element serves multiple functions: it acts as a guide for the workpiece, a feeding mechanism through its driven motion, and a positioning element. This multi-functionality improves productivity while avoiding the need for separate complex feeding and positioning systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If actuable slide element is used to guide workpiece, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece guidance precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240383052A1Machine tool for producing a workpiece of predefined length

Publication Date: 2024.11.21 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A machine tool for producing a workpiece of predefined length includes: a frame for receiving the workpiece, which extends in a longitudinal direction and guides the workpiece in the longitudinal direction at least in part; a cutting tool for severing the workpiece in a machining position; a drivable stop element which is mounted on the frame so as to be displaceable in order to move the workpiece into the machining position; and at least one actuable slide element which is mounted on the frame so as to be displaceable guides the workpiece when the at least one actuable slide element is moved by the drivable stop element.