Parallel Machining via Dual-Function Loading Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing devices for woodworking and similar materials face limitations in achieving increased performance and throughput, particularly in integrated production systems, as they cannot efficiently utilize existing loading devices for additional processing functions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a second processing unit that operates simultaneously with the loading device to perform machining operations, allowing for parallel processing and reducing the need for manual loading, with features like movable gripping elements and alignment means to enhance efficiency and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a loading device is added to automate workpiece feeding, then labor requirements are reduced, but processing throughput cannot be sufficiently increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece feeding automationVSAvoidprocessing throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading device is designed to serve dual functions: it loads workpieces onto the clamping device for the first processing unit, and simultaneously holds workpieces for the second processing unit. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware structure to support parallel processing operations, thereby increasing throughput without proportionally increasing device complexity or cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If processing performance is increased through additional components, then throughput improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing throughputVSAvoidmachining device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading device structures are designed to serve dual purposes: loading workpieces for the first processing unit and holding workpieces for the second processing unit. This approach achieves parallel processing capability without adding separate, dedicated holding structures, thereby increasing throughput while controlling device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the second processing unit operates independently, then parallel processing is achieved, but synchronization and coordination become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparallel processing capabilityVSAvoidoperation coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading devices for both processing units are merged into a single integrated structure that can hold workpieces for both units simultaneously. This unified design simplifies coordination by providing a common reference framework and reduces the complexity of synchronizing independent loading mechanisms, while still enabling parallel processing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2055454B1Processing device
Publication Date: 2010.08.04 HOMAG HOLZBEARBEITUNGSSYST
  • EP2055454B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2055454B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2055454B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A processing device (1) comprises a clamping device (10) for clamping a workpiece (2), a preferably beam-shaped guide device (20) with a section extending over the clamping device, traversable in a first direction with the guide device, relative to another, and at least one first processing unit, especially a spindle unit arranged on the guide device (20) in a second direction. The processing unit in addition has a second processing unit (50) oriented so as to process workpieces positioned in the feeder device (40).