Panel Cutting Machine Vacuum Holding for Multi-Panel Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines with robotic manipulators struggle to efficiently cut multiple panels at once due to issues with panel adhesion and uncontrolled movement, leading to production losses and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
The cutting machine employs a combination of pneumatic holding mechanisms and a robotic manipulator to securely hold lower panels and quickly move upper panels, allowing for simultaneous cutting and handling of multiple panels without uncontrolled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robotic manipulator with suction cups is used to handle panels, then panel handling and unloading can be automated, but only one panel can be cut per cycle due to the manipulator moving single panels sequentially
Solution Approach 1:
The panel stack is segmented into individual panels that can be handled separately. The robotic manipulator picks up one panel at a time from the stack using suction cups, allowing the cutting device to process multiple panels sequentially without manual intervention between cuts.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple panels are pre-positioned in a stack on the support plane before the cutting cycle begins. The robotic manipulator is ready to pick up panels in advance, enabling continuous cutting operations without waiting for panel loading between cuts.
2Productivity
If panels are stacked on the support plane for batch cutting, then multiple panels can be processed, but panels move uncontrolled and adhere to each other causing machine stops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical clamping or physical restraints with a pneumatic field (suction) to hold panels in position. The suction cups create a controlled atmospheric pressure field that secures panels without mechanical contact, preventing uncontrolled movement and adhesion issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of panel handling from mechanical contact to pneumatic suction. By controlling the vacuum pressure parameter, the system can reliably hold panels in various positions without the panels adhering to each other through surface contact.
3Extent of automation
If panels with smooth and glossy surfaces are handled by suction cups, then automation is possible, but high adhesion between panels causes unreliable detachment and production losses
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cups act as an intermediary between the robotic manipulator and the panel surfaces. The pneumatic suction field created by the cups provides a reliable gripping mechanism that works consistently on smooth and glossy surfaces without direct mechanical contact that could cause adhesion problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic suction through the suction cups to grip and move panels. This pneumatic mechanism provides controlled and reliable panel handling, allowing the robotic manipulator to pick up, move, and place panels accurately without the adhesion issues that plague mechanical gripping systems on smooth surfaces.
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
This solution significantly increases productivity by enabling reliable cutting of multiple panels per cycle, reducing machine stops, and enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the cutting process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device configured to hold the at least one lower panel in position on the support plane
Implementation Method 2
pneumatic holding mechanisms and a robotic manipulator to securely hold lower panels
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A cutting machine (1) for cutting panels (P) made of wood or the like. The work area (AL) comprises pneumatic means (50) or a combination of pneumatic means (50) and pneumatic means (30) configured to operate in a "pneumatic vacuum holding" operating mode, so as to temporarily lock at least one bottom panel (P) of a stack of panels (P) in position on the work area (AL), while waiting for its following movement, cut or discharge. The pneumatic means (50) are provided with suction devices (VNT). The cutting machine (1) entails the use of a robotic manipulator (10) to pick-up the upper panel (P) of the same stack of panels (P), in masked time, for its moving, cutting or unloading. The invention relates also to an innovative method for a panel cutting machine.