Panel Machine Tool Clamping Layout for Corner Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools for machining panels face limitations in flexibility and precision due to gripper size and friction-based gripping systems, which restrict movement and cause surface marks, and require complex repositioning for corner machining, increasing machining time and reducing precision.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool with a system comprising lateral and front/rear constraint members movable along multiple axes, allowing contact with panel borders to lock and move the panel stably, enabling flexible operation and precise machining without surface damage, and allowing repositioning without losing panel reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction-based gripping systems are used to grip panels, then the panel can be held securely during machining, but permanent marks are caused on the panel surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thin sheet material as an intermediary between the gripper's friction surface and the panel. This sheet is inserted into the gripper's friction surface opening, allowing the gripper to grip the panel through the sheet rather than directly contacting the panel surface. This mediates the gripping force, preventing permanent marks while maintaining secure holding during machining operations.
2Reliability
If large-sized grippers are used to grip and move panels, then the panel can be securely held and moved, but the positioning of operating units in adjacent zones is restricted, reducing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping system is segmented into multiple independent gripping zones along the panel's length. Instead of using a single large gripper, the system divides the gripping function into segments that can operate independently. This allows operating units to be positioned in zones between the segmented grippers, maintaining flexibility while ensuring secure panel holding through distributed gripping points.
3Reliability
If corner constraining members with long arms are used to block panel corners, then the panel can be locked by acting on corners, but the overall dimensions of the machine tool increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using long horizontal arms to constrain panel corners to a vertical dimension approach. Thin sheets are inserted vertically into the gripping system from above, extending down to contact the panel corners. This dimensional change allows corner constraining to be achieved with much shorter overall machine tool dimensions, as the constraining action occurs in the vertical dimension rather than requiring long horizontal reach.
4Reliability
If corner constraining members are angular in shape and fixed in position, then the panel can be locked by acting on two right-angled sides, but the members cannot move without detaching from the panel, requiring temporary separation for corner machining
Solution Approach 1:
The corner constraining members are designed with dynamic, adjustable positions rather than fixed angular configurations. The thin sheets can be independently positioned and repositioned along the panel length while maintaining contact with the panel corners. This dynamic design allows the constraining members to move with the panel during machining operations without requiring detachment, simplifying the repositioning process and enabling continuous corner machining.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a machine tool (1, 1') for machining panels comprising: operating means (18) for the performance of at least one machining operation on a panel (P, P') lying on a predetermined surface defined by a first axis (X) and a second axis (Y), in said panel (P, P') being defined a front border (F, F'), a rear border (P, P') opposite said front border (F, F'), a first side border (M, M') and a second side border (N, N') opposite said first side border (M, M'); a stopping and moving system (4) for stopping and moving said panel (P, P') on said predetermined surface, said stopping and moving system (4) comprising: a first lateral contact element (17a, 17a') and a second lateral contact element (17b, 17b') movable according to said first axis (X) and configured to make contact, in use, with, respectively, said first side border (M, M') and said second side border (N, N') causing the locking of said panel (P, P') with respect to said first axis (X); a first front constraint member (7a, 7a') and a second front constraint member (7b, 7b') moveable according to said first axis (X) and said second axis (Y) and configured to make contact, in use, with said front border (F, F') causing a constraint to the movement of said panel (P, P') in a first direction according to said second axis (Y); and a first rear constraint member (11a, 11a') and a second rear constraint member (11b, 11b') movable according to said first axis (X) and said second axis (Y) and configured to make contact, in use, with said rear border (R, R') causing a constraint to the movement of said panel (P, P') in a second direction according to said second axis (Y) opposite said first direction. Said first front constraint member (7a, 7a'), said second front constraint member (7b, 7b'), said first rear constraint member (11a, 11a') and said second rear constraint member (11b, 11b') are movable independently of said first lateral contact element (17a, 17a') and said second lateral contact element (17b, 17b') such as to allow, when in use, said operative means (18) to operate on any region of said borders (F, F', R, R', M, M', N, N') keeping said first lateral contact element (17a, 17a'), said second lateral contact element (17b, 17b'), said first front constraint member (7a, 7a'), said second front constraint member (7b, 7b'), said first rear constraint member (11a, 11a') and said second rear constraint member (11b, 11b') in contact with said panel (P, P').