Panel Cutting Machine Layout for Continuous Multi-Panel Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines for wood and plastic panels have long operating cycles and low productivity due to the need to park and reload panels during processing, requiring additional space for temporary storage.
Innovation Solution
A cutting machine design that allows continuous processing of panels without the need to park or unload them, using multiple pushers and a robotic manipulator to manage panel movement and cutting, optimizing the use of space and reducing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If panels are parked on the ground or support plane during processing, then the cutting machine can process multiple panels, but the operating cycle becomes long and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by positioning the secondary slide and its clamp gripping members underneath the support plane. This allows the system to process multiple panels simultaneously in the vertical dimension without requiring horizontal parking space, thereby maintaining multi-panel processing capability while avoiding the productivity loss associated with sequential processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary slide with clamp gripping members is nested underneath the support plane structure. This nested configuration allows the secondary pusher to operate within the existing machine footprint without requiring additional horizontal space, enabling concurrent panel processing while maintaining a compact overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If panels are parked temporarily during processing, then multiple panels can be processed, but additional area for parking is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical space underneath the support plane to position the secondary slide and clamp gripping members. This dimensional transition from horizontal to vertical space utilization eliminates the need for additional horizontal parking area, allowing multi-panel processing within the same machine footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary pusher mechanism is nested within the existing machine structure underneath the support plane. This nested arrangement allows the system to accommodate multiple panels for processing without expanding the horizontal footprint, as the additional functionality is integrated into the existing vertical space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If panels are unloaded and reloaded by robotic manipulator, then continuous processing is possible, but operating time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary clamp gripping members are pre-positioned underneath the support plane in readiness. When the first panel is being processed, the second panel is already in position to be immediately engaged by the secondary pusher, eliminating the time loss associated with reloading panels during the processing cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by having the secondary pusher ready to process the second panel while the first panel is being processed. This parallel processing arrangement eliminates idle time and ensures that the system is continuously productive without interruptions for panel reloading.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cutting machine for cutting panels (2) made of wood, plastic or the like has a cutting station (15) provided with a cutting assembly (16) movable in a cutting plane (T), a main pusher (19) to move a panel (2) through the cutting station (15) perpendicular to the cutting plane (T), and two secondary pushers (20, 25) independent from one another and from the main pusher (19) to move respective panels (2b, 2d) through the cutting station (15).