Parallel Workpiece Paths With Movable Suction Blocks for CNC Cells

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manufacturing cells face challenges in efficiently machining a large number of workpieces with different geometric shapes and arrangements, particularly in avoiding damage to suction block assemblies during cutting operations and optimizing the utilization of the cell, especially with small batch sizes.

Innovation Solution

The manufacturing cell is designed with two parallel workpiece paths, each equipped with a workpiece table and suction block assemblies that can be displaced longitudinally, allowing simultaneous machining of multiple workpieces and enabling the supply of subsequent workpieces during the machining of the first, thus enhancing throughput and reducing the risk of suction block assembly damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If suction block assemblies are fixed in position during machining, then the structure is simple and stable, but the assemblies may be damaged during cutting operations of workpieces with different geometric shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage avoidance of suction block assembliesVSAvoiddisplacement mechanism of suction block assemblies

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction block assemblies are made movable along the longitudinal direction of the manufacturing cell through a displacement mechanism. This dynamic positioning capability allows the assemblies to be adjusted to appropriate positions before machining different workpiece geometries, preventing damage while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If only one workpiece path is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and output rate are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput rate of manufacturing cellVSAvoidnumber of workpiece paths

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing cell is divided into multiple independent workpiece paths (first and second workpiece paths) that run parallel to each other. Each path has its own workpiece table and suction block assemblies, allowing simultaneous machining of multiple workpieces and thereby increasing overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple parallel workpiece paths enable continuous operation where the supply and machining of subsequent workpieces can occur simultaneously with the machining of current workpieces, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action across the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If workpieces are supplied and machined sequentially, then the device complexity is low, but the utilization rate of the manufacturing cell decreases especially with batch size of one

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveutilization rate of manufacturing cellVSAvoidparallel workpiece paths and concurrent operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing cell is divided into multiple independent workpiece paths (first and second workpiece paths) that run parallel to each other. Each path has its own workpiece table and suction block assemblies, allowing simultaneous machining of multiple workpieces and thereby increasing overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple parallel workpiece paths enable continuous operation where the supply and machining of subsequent workpieces can occur simultaneously with the machining of current workpieces, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action across the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Manufacturing precision

If suction block assemblies are positioned for each workpiece type, then machining precision is maintained, but the time required for repositioning reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining precision for different workpiece geometriesVSAvoidrepositioning time of suction block assemblies

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The suction block assemblies are made movable along the longitudinal direction of the manufacturing cell through a displacement mechanism. This dynamic positioning capability allows the assemblies to be adjusted to appropriate positions before machining different workpiece geometries, preventing damage while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 design enables high utilization rates even with batch sizes of one, allowing for efficient machining of diverse workpieces without damaging the suction block assemblies, and supports continuous operation by supplying and transporting workpieces concurrently.

Implementation Method 1

The workpiece table (65; 165) comprises at least one suction block assembly (71; 171)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS12491623B2Production cell with at least two machining robots

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 ZIMMER MARTIN

AI summary

A manufacturing cell comprises at least one workpiece path having a workpiece supply region of a workpiece supply and a workpiece table of a machine tool. The machine tool has at least two machining robots. The workpiece table comprises at least one suction block assembly. The manufacturing cell has a second workpiece path running in a longitudinal direction of the manufacturing cell and parallel to the first workpiece path, with a second workpiece table comprising at least one suction block assembly. In addition, each suction block assembly can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the manufacturing cell. This increases the output rate of a manufacturing cell and expands its machining capabilities.