Panel Cutting Machine With Movable Clamps for Variable-Width Cuts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines are rigid and limited to specific panel dimensions, leading to improper gripping and potential defects during staggered cuts due to fixed working areas and clamp distances, which cannot be adjusted.
Innovation Solution
The cutting machine features movable clamps on supporting systems that allow variable widths for working areas, equipped with sensors to detect and prevent interference, enabling flexible and precise differential cuts for panels of varying dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed working areas with finite widths are used for panel supplying means, then the machine structure is simple and stable, but the machine cannot adapt to panels of varying dimensions and the working areas cannot be reconfigured
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp positions are made movable along the cutting direction through supporting systems that allow displacement. Each clamp can be independently positioned to accommodate panels of varying widths, transforming the static working area into a dynamic, reconfigurable space that adapts to different panel dimensions without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The working area is divided into multiple independent clamp units, each capable of individual positioning. This segmentation allows each clamp to be independently adjusted along the cutting direction, enabling flexible configuration of the working area to match different panel widths while maintaining overall system stability
2Reliability
If fixed clamp distances are used in the gripper system, then the gripping mechanism is simple and robust, but the clamps cannot properly grip panels of different widths leading to skidding during supply
Solution Approach 1:
The distance between clamps in the gripper system is made dynamic through movable supporting systems. Each clamp can be independently positioned along the cutting direction to match the specific width of the panel being processed, ensuring reliable gripping without skidding while maintaining system robustness through the modular movable structure
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the gripper system, specifically the spacing between clamps, are made variable rather than fixed. By allowing the clamp positions to be adjusted along the cutting direction, the system can adapt its gripping parameters to match different panel widths, ensuring optimal gripping reliability for each specific panel dimension
3Adaptability or versatility
If the working area width is fixed, then the machine design is straightforward and manufacturing is easier, but differential cuts cannot be performed on panels of variable maximum dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The working area width is transformed from a fixed parameter to a dynamic, adjustable parameter. Clamps are mounted on supporting systems that enable movement along the cutting direction, allowing the effective working area width to be reconfigured for different panel dimensions. This dynamic capability enables diverse differential cutting patterns while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The movable clamp system serves multiple functions: it enables differential cuts on panels of varying dimensions, accommodates different working area widths, and maintains gripping reliability across various panel sizes. This multi-functionality is achieved through the universal movable supporting system that can be configured for different cutting patterns without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a machine for cutting (M) panels, such as panel made of wood, materials obtained from wood or wood-like materials, fiberglass, plastic and the like, comprising: a supporting frame (1) having a horizontal supporting plane (P) for receiving a first and a second panel to be cut; a cutting station (2) movable along a cutting direction (LT) for cutting said first and said second panel; first supplying means (31) for supplying said first panel on said supporting plane (P) along a supplying direction (D) perpendicular to said cutting direction (LT), said first supplying means (31) comprising a first supporting system (41) coupled to said frame (1), in a sliding way along said supplying direction (D), first clamps (51) for clamping said first panel, coupled to said first supporting system (41), so as to slide above said supporting plane (P) defining a first working area (A1), second supplying means (32) for supplying said second panel (L2) on said supporting plane (P) along said supplying direction (D), said second supplying means (32) comprising a second supporting system (42) coupled to said frame (1), in a sliding way along said supplying direction (D), second clamps (52) for clamping said first panel, coupled to said first supporting system (42), so as to slide above said supporting plane (P) defining a second working area (A2), herein said cutting machine (M) is characterized in that said first clamps (51) are movable with respect to said first supporting system (41) parallel to said cutting direction (LT), and in that said second clamps (52) are movable with respect to said second supporting system (42) parallel to said cutting direction (LT), wherein said first working area (A1) has, in plan, a first width (LA1) variable according to the position of said first clamps (51) with respect to said first supporting system (41), and wherein said second working area (A2) has, in plan, a second width (LA2) variable according to the position of said second clamps (52) with respect to said second supporting system (42).