Parallel-Beam Workpiece Holder for Simultaneous Carriage Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools used for machining flat pieces, such as furniture doors or panels, face inefficiencies in setup time and accuracy due to the sequential movement of carriages, which increases production costs, especially for small batches.
Innovation Solution
The machine tool design incorporates actuators integrated with carriages and a flexible guide system that houses cables, data transmission, and fluid ducts, allowing for a compact arrangement that reduces the vertical size of the beam and improves positioning flexibility and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuator is used to move multiple carriages sequentially, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning accuracy and setup time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the actuation function by providing a separate actuator for each carriage. This segmentation allows each carriage to be positioned independently and simultaneously, improving positioning accuracy and reducing setup time compared to sequential actuation by a single actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible guide member allows the actuator to be positioned in a different spatial arrangement, specifically enabling the actuator to be located away from the beam while still providing effective actuation to the carriage through the flexible cable connection.
2Device complexity
If carriages are moved sequentially by a single actuator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By providing individual actuators for each carriage, the system enables parallel operation where multiple carriages can be positioned simultaneously rather than sequentially, significantly reducing the total setup time while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular actuator units.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible guide member enables continuous and smooth actuation of carriages without interruption or sequential delays, allowing the system to maintain continuous useful action during carriage positioning operations.
3Volume of moving object
If the actuator is positioned away from the beam, then the beam vertical size is reduced, but the guide structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a flexible guide member in the form of a cable or belt that can bend and flex to connect the actuator to the carriage. This flexible element replaces rigid structural guides, allowing the actuator to be positioned away from the beam while maintaining a compact overall structure and reducing the beam's vertical dimension.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
The machine tool (1) comprises: - at least one work head (9) adapted to support at least one tool (21); - at least one workpiece holder (30) comprising at least two substantially parallel beams (31) arranged at a distance adjustable orthogonally to the longitudinal extension of the beams; - on each beam (31) at least one carriage (35) movable along the longitudinal extension of the beam (31) and provided with a respective actuator (51) controlling the movement of the carriage (35) along the respective beam (31), the actuator (51) being integrally movable with the carriage (35). To each carriage (35) a flexible member (61) is associated, forming a guide (61) that contains cables (63) for powering the actuator (51) and has two branches (61C, 61D) put over each other and arranged on a side of the beam (31); and wherein the actuator (51) of each carriage (35) is arranged between the two overlying branches of the flexible member.