Panel Transport Gap Layout for Six-Sided Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing panel processing systems cannot effectively process all six sides of panel-shaped workpieces without turning or edging, as they are limited by the arrangement of processing units that can only operate on top of the workpiece, restricting their ability to perform complex tasks on large-format panels.

Innovation Solution

A panel processing system with a transport device featuring two transport units and machining stations with crossbeams that can move in multiple axes, allowing tools to rotate and access the workpiece from below, enabling simultaneous processing of all six sides without extensive travel distances, thus enhancing stability and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If processing units are arranged only above the workpiece in a gantry configuration, then the structure is simple and stable, but the workpiece cannot be processed on all six sides without turning or folding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to process all six sides of workpieceVSAvoidarrangement of processing units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gap between two transport units, allowing processing units to access the workpiece from below in addition to above. This dimensional change enables 6-sided processing capability without requiring the workpiece to be turned or folded, resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The processing system is divided into multiple independent processing units positioned at different locations (above and below the workpiece). Each processing unit can operate independently on different surfaces of the workpiece, enabling comprehensive 6-sided processing while maintaining modular simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If processing units traverse the entire width of large-format panels, then all areas can be accessed, but stability and accuracy decrease due to long travel distances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidtravel distance of processing units
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The processing system uses multiple processing units positioned at different locations along the workpiece length. Each unit handles a specific section, eliminating the need for any single unit to traverse the entire width. This segmentation maintains processing accuracy by keeping travel distances short while still covering the entire workpiece surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the workpiece is turned or folded to access all sides, then complete processing is possible, but processing time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidtime for turning or folding workpiece
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By positioning processing units both above and below the workpiece in parallel, the system enables simultaneous processing of multiple surfaces. The workpiece remains in a fixed horizontal position throughout processing, eliminating time-consuming turning or folding operations and significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple processing units operate simultaneously and continuously on different surfaces of the workpiece as it moves through the system. This parallel processing eliminates idle time associated with repositioning or turning the workpiece, maintaining continuous productive action throughout the processing cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3453488B1Board treatment device
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 HUNDEGGER HANS
  • EP3453488B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3453488B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3453488B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a plate processing system with a processing station for processing a plate-shaped workpiece (2) and a transport device for the controlled displacement of the workpiece in at least one first linear axis (4) during the processing of the workpiece (2) by the processing station. According to the invention, the transport device has two spaced-apart transport units (1a, 1b) for displacing the plate-shaped workpiece (2) across a gap (3) between the two transport units (1a, 1b), and the processing station contains two processing units (5a, 5b) arranged opposite each other on the gap (3), each of which has a processing unit (6) for receiving a tool (8) that is movable in two second and third linear axes (13, 15) perpendicular to each other and rotatable about at least two rotary axes (18, 22).