Panel Machine Tool Layout for Fast Moving Tool Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools for machining panels face limitations in tool positioning and movement constraints, leading to inefficiencies in performing multiple machining operations quickly and simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design featuring a movable operating station with a tool housing system that translates along a predetermined axis parallel to the machining direction, allowing easy tool exchange and simultaneous machining of multiple panel faces using upper and lower operating members with independent movement capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a series of tools are housed in fixed units with constrained movement systems, then tool positioning is stable and controlled, but the machine cannot perform multiple machining operations quickly and simultaneously without movement constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The housing member is made movable along a predetermined axis parallel to the advancing direction, allowing dynamic repositioning of tools during operation. This enables the operating member to access tools at different positions without constrained movement paths, resolving the contradiction between stable positioning and movement freedom for high-speed multi-operation machining
Solution Approach 2:
The housing member moves along an axis parallel to the advancing direction, adding a new dimension of tool access. This allows the operating member to pick tools from a moving housing rather than a fixed unit, enabling simultaneous and sequential machining operations without movement constraints
2Productivity
If tools are housed in fixed units with constrained movement, then the machine structure is simple and stable, but tool changing and multi-part processing are slow
Solution Approach 1:
The housing member translates along a predetermined axis parallel to the advancing direction, enabling quick tool changes by moving the entire tool housing to accessible positions. This dynamic arrangement allows rapid tool selection and exchange without complex repositioning mechanisms, improving productivity while maintaining relatively simple structure
Solution Approach 2:
The housing member can house multiple tools and move to different positions along the advancing direction, allowing a single housing structure to serve multiple tool storage and exchange functions. This multi-functional design enables fast tool changes and simultaneous processing without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a machine tool (1) for machining panels comprising: an operating station (2) comprising at least one operating member (3, 4), which is movable and configured for receiving at least one tool for performing a machining operation on at least one panel; transporting means (10) for transporting at least one panel according to a predetermined advancing direction (A) from a loading area to said operating station (2); and a system for changing a tool, comprising a housing member (16) for housing a plurality of tools (20) designed for use with said at least one operating member (3, 4), said housing member (16) being movable in translation along a predetermined axis (X) passing said operating station (2) and substantially parallel to said predetermined advancing direction (A), in such a way that when said housing member (16) is positioned in a zone which is located at said operating station (2), said at least one operating member (3, 4) can reach said housing member (16) for picking up a tool (20).