Portable CNC Clamping Module for In-Place Workpiece Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining devices for wooden parts face challenges such as requiring manual handling, which can lead to injuries and fatigue, and are either bulky or lack precision, limiting their usability and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A portable, numerically controlled machining device with a modular design comprising a clamping module and a machining module, allowing easy attachment and detachment, and enabling operation along multiple axes for precise machining without manual handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual machining devices are used, then the device can be simple and portable, but the operator safety deteriorates and machining precision worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidoperator safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two independent modules: a clamping module that can be manually positioned and attached to the workpiece, and a machining module that contains the automated cutting tool. This segmentation allows the clamping function to remain simple and portable while the machining function achieves automated precision and safety through numerical control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping module serves as an intermediary between the operator and the machining module. It provides a stable mounting base that can be manually positioned and securely attached to the workpiece, while the machining module remains isolated and automated, reducing direct operator exposure to moving cutting tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If numerically controlled machining devices are used, then machining precision improves and operator safety increases, but the device becomes bulky and requires moving the workpiece to the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining precisionVSAvoiddevice bulkiness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the clamping function from the machining function into distinct modules, the device achieves numerically controlled precision machining while keeping the overall structure compact and portable. The clamping module is lightweight and can be manually positioned, while the machining module contains only the essential automated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving the workpiece to a large stationary machining device, the invention inverts the approach by bringing a compact, portable machining device to the workpiece. The device can be manually transported and positioned at the installation location, then securely attached to machine the workpiece in situ.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If portable hand-held machining devices are used, then the device can be moved to the workpiece location, but operator fatigue increases due to manual force exertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice mobilityVSAvoidoperator fatigue
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the mobility function (clamping module) from the machining function (machining module with motor). The clamping module can be easily and manually positioned and attached to the workpiece without requiring significant physical effort. Once attached, the motorized machining module performs all cutting operations automatically, eliminating the need for the operator to exert force during the machining process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized machining module performs the machining operations autonomously once the workpiece is clamped. The system serves itself by automatically controlling the cutting tool through numerical control, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and reducing operator energy expenditure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4096864B1Tragbare numerische bearbeitungsvorrichtung für ein werkstück
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 EPUR
  • EP4096864B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4096864B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4096864B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a portable digitally controlled device for machining a workpiece (10), comprising a machining module (200) which comprises: at least one machining head bearing a machining tool; means for moving the machining head along at least two axes perpendicular to each other; a digital control unit configured to be able to control the means for moving the machining head, characterised in that the machining device also comprises a module for clamping (100) the machining module to the workpiece, the clamping module (100) comprising: means for removably attaching (106, 108; 130) the clamping module (100) to the workpiece (10); means for removably mounting (142, 144) the machining module (200) to the clamping module (100).