Panel Working Group with Elastic Guidance for Low-Friction Edge Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge-banding machines for wooden panels face issues with high weight and friction, leading to ineffective movement of the head and tool, and high costs and encumbrances due to the use of linear guides and skids.
Innovation Solution
A working group with an elastic system comprising lamellae that guide the movement of a support carrying the motor and tool, allowing for reliable and cost-effective operation by using elastically deformable lamellae to facilitate movement perpendicular to the panel's advancement direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If linear guides and skids are used to move the head towards the panel, then the movement can be guided, but the weight and friction increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical linear guide and skid system with an elastic system comprising elastomeric elements. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy mechanical guidance structures while still enabling controlled movement of the head towards the panel through the elastic deformation of the elastomeric materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the guidance system by using elastomeric materials that can deform elastically. This parameter change allows the system to provide guidance functionality while significantly reducing weight and friction compared to rigid mechanical guides.
2Ease of operation
If linear guides and skids are used to move the head towards the panel, then the movement can be guided, but the costs and encumbrances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical linear guide and skid assembly with a simpler elastic system using elastomeric elements. This substitution reduces the number of components, eliminates heavy mechanical structures, and simplifies the overall system while maintaining the guidance function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach to guidance by using the elastic deformation properties of elastomeric materials rather than rigid mechanical constraints. This parameter change leads to a less complex system with fewer parts and reduced encumbrances.
3Ease of operation
If linear guides and skids are used for head movement, then guidance is provided, but the friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the high-friction mechanical contact between skids and linear guides with an elastic deformation mechanism. The elastomeric elements deform and recover during head movement, eliminating sliding friction while providing necessary guidance through elastic restoring forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the interaction mechanism from rigid-to-rigid contact with friction to elastic deformation and recovery. This parameter change fundamentally alters how guidance is achieved, replacing friction-based resistance with elastic force-based control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The elastic system enables smooth, oscillation-free movement of the tool, reducing costs and encumbrances while ensuring precise machining of panel edges.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic system for driving the movement of said support along said direction, wherein said elastic system comprises a first lamella arranged between said support and said frame, and a second lamella arranged between said support and said frame, wherein said first lamella and said second lamella are elastically deformable along said direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a working group (1) for working a panel (P) made of wood and the like, wherein said panel (P) is movable along an advancing direction (D1), and wherein said working group (1) comprises: a frame (10), a working tool (11) for working said panel (P), an engine (12), coupled to said working tool (11), for activating said working tool (11), a support (13), on which said engine (12) is fixed, wherein said support (13) is coupled to said frame (10), and an actuator (14), associated to said frame (10), for moving said support (13), with respect to said frame (10), from a resting position to an operating position, wherein said support (13) is moved closer to said panel (P) along a direction (D2) having at least one component perpendicular to said advancing direction (D1) of said panel (P), allowing the working of said panel (P) by means of said working tool (11), wherein said working group (1) is characterized in that said support (13) is coupled to said frame (10) by means an elastic system (15) for driving the movement of said support (13) along said direction (D2). The present invention also relates to a machine (M) for working a panel (P) made of wood and the like, comprising said working group (1).