Panel Feed Chain With Adjustable Preload for Machining Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools for machining panels, such as those made of fibre cement, wood, or plastic, suffer from a progressive reduction in machining precision due to irregular panel thickness and lack of effective adjustment mechanisms for maintaining accurate movement and calibration.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool with a moving system comprising a chain of links with a support element, a movable element, and elastic means, where the elastic means are adjustable via a threaded member to vary the thrust on the panel, and a control system for measuring and ensuring the correct preload, ensuring precise machining by maintaining the panel's contact with rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic elements are provided to compensate for irregular panel thickness, then the panel can be maintained in contact with the chain and roller, but the machining precision progressively reduces with continuous use due to loss of elastic preload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the elastic means preload adjustable through the threaded member. This allows the operator to dynamically adjust and restore the elastic preload force on the panel during continuous operation, thereby maintaining consistent machining precision. The adjustable mechanism enables the system to adapt to wear and thickness variations, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable panel contact and preserving manufacturing precision over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing modification of the elastic means preload force through the threaded member adjustment mechanism. By changing the preload parameter, the system compensates for wear and panel thickness irregularities, ensuring that the panel maintains proper contact with the chain and roller throughout continuous operation, thus preserving machining precision while ensuring reliable contact.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustable means are added to vary elastic means preload, then machining precision can be maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the adjustment function into discrete, modular components: the threaded member integrated into the link structure, the elastic means as separate elements, and the adjustment mechanism as an independent subsystem. This modular segmentation allows for precise control of the preload force while keeping each component simple and maintainable, thereby maintaining machining precision without excessive overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the manually operable threaded member adjustment mechanism, which allows operators to directly adjust and restore elastic preload without requiring external equipment or complex automated systems. This simple self-adjustment capability maintains machining precision while avoiding the complexity of automated adjustment systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If threaded member adjustment mechanism is implemented, then elastic means preload can be easily adjusted, but ease of operation is reduced due to additional adjustment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the threaded member adjustment mechanism directly into the link structure of the chain. The adjustment mechanism is combined with the existing structural elements (support element, movable element, elastic means) rather than being a separate external device. This integration allows for straightforward manual adjustment of elastic preload while minimizing additional operational steps, thereby maintaining machining precision without significantly complicating the operation.
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 solution maintains high machining precision and allows for easy adjustment and calibration, reducing the number of rejected workpieces by ensuring consistent and accurate panel movement and machining.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means provided between said support element and said movable element; contact means positioned facing said chain means in such a way that when said panel is positioned, in use, between said chain means and said contact means, said elastic means push said panel against said contact means
Implementation Method 2
said at least one link also comprises adjusting means for adjusting the preloading of said elastic means and allowing the variation of the thrust exerted by said elastic means on said panel towards said contact means; Preferably according to the invention, said adjusting means comprise threaded member acting on said elastic means
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a machine tool (1, 1') for machining panels or similar workpieces, comprising: a moving system (3) for moving a panel (P) along a predetermined feed direction (A, A'), said moving system (3) comprising: chain means (6, 7; 6', 7') comprising a plurality of links (10, 10'), wherein at least one link of said plurality of links (10, 10') comprises a support element (13), a movable element (21, 21') which is coupled, in a movable way, to said support element (13) and elastic means (30, 30') provided between said support element (13) and said movable element (21, 21'); contact means (35, 36; 35', 36') positioned facing said chain means (6, 7; 6', 7') in such a way that when said panel (P) is positioned, in use, between said chain means (6, 7; 6', 7') and said contact means (35, 36; 35', 36'), said elastic means (30, 30') push said panel (P) against said contact means (35, 36; 35', 36'); operating means for machining said panel (P) during the feeding of said panel (P) according to said predetermined feed direction (A, A'); wherein said at least one link also comprises adjusting means (32, 32') for adjusting the preloading of said elastic means (30, 30') and allowing the variation of the thrust exerted by said elastic means (30, 30') on said panel (P) towards said contact means (35, 36; 35', 36').