Retractable Mechanical Clamping Members for CNC Workpiece Setup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools for automatic numerical control machining, particularly those used for wooden pieces, face challenges in efficiently switching between different types of workpieces due to complex and time-consuming setup processes for clamping and support systems, leading to increased downtime and costs, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool with a support and clamping system featuring parallel support beams equipped with both retractable mechanical clamping members and adjustable pneumatic clamping members, allowing for easy switching between elongated and flat workpieces, with mechanical clamping members retracting under the beam surface to accommodate pneumatic clamping of flat pieces, and pneumatic clamping members being adjustable along the beams to adapt to various shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical clamping members are permanently installed on support beams, then elongated workpieces can be securely clamped, but flat workpieces cannot be machined without complex setup operations
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical clamping members are made retractable along the support beams, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position. When machining elongated workpieces, the clamping members extend to provide mechanical grip. When machining flat workpieces, they retract to avoid interference with pneumatic clamping systems, enabling the machine to handle different workpiece types without complex setup operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support beam system is designed to accommodate multiple clamping methods (mechanical and pneumatic) through a single integrated structure. The retractable mechanical clamping members allow the same support beam to serve both elongated workpiece clamping and flat workpiece machining functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems.
2Ease of operation
If pneumatic clamping systems are used for flat workpieces, then setup is simplified, but elongated workpieces requiring mechanical clamping cannot be processed
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges mechanical and pneumatic clamping methods into a single integrated support beam structure. The retractable mechanical clamping members can be positioned as needed, allowing the system to combine the simplicity of pneumatic operation with the geometric adaptability of mechanical clamping for different workpiece types.
3Productivity
If the machine tool is configured for continuous operation to amortize costs, then productivity increases, but setup operations for different workpiece types increase downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable mechanical clamping members enable rapid reconfiguration between workpiece types through simple linear motion along the support beams. This dynamic adjustment mechanism significantly reduces setup time compared to permanent installations, allowing the machine to maintain continuous operation and high productivity when machining different workpiece geometries.
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 configuration significantly reduces setup time and costs by enabling rapid switching between different workpiece types, minimizing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency in machining centers.
Implementation Method 1
Each slide includes suction means to clamp and retain the workpiece during machining
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The machine tool (1) comprises a load-bearing structure (3) and a working head (9). The workpieces are supported and clamped on a support and clamping system (21) which includes a series of support beams (27) parallel to each other. The working head (9) and the support and clamping system (21) are movable with respect to each other according to a plurality of numerically controlled axes (X, Y, Z). Each beam (27) comprises at least one mechanical clamping member (33) retractable approximately to the level of an upper surface (28) of the respective beam (27).