Multi-Head Machine for Metallic Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional machines for working three-dimensional metallic profiles have limitations such as low working speeds, reduced complexity and dimensions of holes, and the need for continuous repositioning within a limited workspace, which restricts their operational efficiency and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A machine with multiple working heads that can move independently and simultaneously along perpendicular axes, allowing for complex and large-scale operations on metallic profiles, featuring a device for translational motion along a longitudinal axis and locking mechanisms to stabilize the profile during processing, enabling efficient and coordinated working on different surfaces without continuous repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional machines with single working heads are used, then the structure is simple, but the working speed is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking speedVSAvoidmachine structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is divided into multiple independent working heads (at least two), each capable of independently processing different surfaces of the metallic profile simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel processing operations, thereby increasing overall working speed while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple working heads are combined into a single machine system that processes different surfaces of the same metallic profile simultaneously. The merging of multiple processing functions into one machine enables high-speed working without requiring multiple separate machines, thus improving productivity while controlling device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional machines with limited workspace are used, then the device complexity is low, but the hole complexity and dimensions are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehole complexity and dimensionsVSAvoidmachine structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine incorporates movement along four perpendicular axes (X, Y, Z and a fourth axis for the second working head), creating a three-dimensional workspace that significantly expands the complexity and dimensions of holes that can be machined. This multi-dimensional movement capability allows access to complex geometries that would be impossible with conventional two-axis machines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Each working head is equipped with universal tools capable of performing multiple operations (drilling, reaming, turning, milling, tapping) on different surfaces. This multi-functionality increases adaptability to handle various hole complexities and dimensions without requiring specialized equipment for each operation

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

3Productivity

If conventional machines with single working heads are used, then the device complexity is low, but the working speed is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking speedVSAvoidmovement management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine employs dynamic movement management where at least two working heads move independently and simultaneously along perpendicular axes. The system dynamically coordinates the positions and movements of multiple heads to process different surfaces concurrently, maximizing working speed while maintaining control through sophisticated movement management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple working heads operate continuously and simultaneously on different surfaces of the metallic profile, eliminating idle time between operations. This continuous parallel processing maintains high productivity while the coordinated movement system ensures that complexity is managed through efficient resource utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Productivity

If conventional machines require continuous repositioning, then the workspace is compact, but the productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking efficiencyVSAvoidrepositioning requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By introducing movement along four perpendicular axes, the machine creates an expanded three-dimensional workspace that eliminates the need for continuous repositioning of the metallic profile. The additional dimensions allow all processing operations to be performed within a single setup, thereby improving productivity and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2758209B1Machine with working heads for working metallic profiles
Publication Date: 2016.11.23 FICEP
  • EP2758209B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2758209B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A machine (1) with working heads for working three-dimensional metallic profiles (3) comprising at least two working heads (2a, 2b, 2c), and a device for the simultaneous management of the movement of the heads (2a, 2b, 2c) which is adapted to move each one of the heads (2a, 2b, 2c) in an independent, coordinated and simultaneous manner for the respective working of a different surface (5a, 5b, 5c) of the metallic profile (3).