Multi-Plane Machining Unit Layout to Prevent Tool Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing systems for workpieces, such as wood or plastic, face inefficiencies due to tool changes causing non-productive times and tool interference during machining operations like drilling and milling.

Innovation Solution

A processing unit with a body featuring two perpendicular tool holders spaced along its longitudinal direction, allowing for simultaneous or sequential use of multiple tools without interference, and a drive system to power these tools, reducing idle times and enabling efficient machining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tools are arranged around the circumference of the machining unit, then the machining unit can accommodate multiple tools for various machining operations, but the tools may interfere with each other during machining

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate multiple toolsVSAvoidtool interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from arranging tools in a single circumferential plane to distributing tools across multiple planes spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. This dimensional change eliminates tool interference while preserving multi-tool capability, as tools in different longitudinal planes cannot interfere with each other's machining paths

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

2Device complexity

If tools are arranged in a single plane around the machining unit, then the structure is simpler, but tool interference occurs and machining is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool holder arrangementVSAvoidmachining capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By introducing the longitudinal dimension to space tool holders at different positions along the machining unit's length, the patent achieves both structural feasibility and interference-free operation, thereby maintaining productivity without excessive complexity

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If tool changes are performed frequently to perform various machining operations, then different machining tasks can be completed, but non-productive time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining operation varietyVSAvoidnon-productive time for tool changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple tool holders into a single integrated machining unit that can accommodate multiple tools simultaneously. This allows the machining unit to perform various machining operations without requiring tool changes, thereby eliminating non-productive time while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The machining unit is designed with multiple tool holders that can accommodate different tool types (drilling, milling, etc.), making the single machining unit universal for performing multiple machining operations without requiring tool changes

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

Data Source

PatentEP3023181B1Machining unit, and machining system for holding the same
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP3023181B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a machining unit (1) with a body (3), with a receiving element (4) connected to the body and used to hold the machining unit in a machining system, with a first tool holder (6) which is used to hold a tool (8), which is used to machine a workpiece (2), with a second tool holder (7), which is used to hold a tool, which is used to machine a workpiece, with a longitudinal direction (9) of the body of the Machining unit, with at least two planes (10,11) which are arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the body of the machining unit, the first tool holder being arranged in the first plane and the second tool holder being arranged in the second plane and the two planes in the longitudinal direction are spaced apart.