Rotatable Profile Machining Unit for Transverse Bar Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining devices for elongated workpieces, such as window or door frames, are inefficient and inflexible, particularly in processing profiled rods transverse to the direction of transport, leading to increased complexity and cost due to the need for additional processing heads.

Innovation Solution

A profiling machine with a processing unit that can move translationally and rotatably in multiple axes, allowing for precise and efficient machining of workpieces along and across the direction of travel, including the ability to process all profiled bars with the same processing unit, and incorporating additional units like clamping devices and tool holders for versatile operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional machining heads that can move perpendicular to the transport direction are provided to machine profile bars perpendicular to transport direction, then the machining capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machining head is made dynamically adjustable with rotational movement capability about a vertical axis and lateral movement capability perpendicular to the transport direction. This allows a single machining head to adapt its orientation and position to machine profile bars in different directions (parallel and perpendicular to transport), replacing the need for multiple fixed machining heads and reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The machining head is designed as a universal processing unit that can perform machining operations on profile bars regardless of their orientation relative to the transport direction. By incorporating rotational and lateral movement capabilities, the same machining head serves multiple functions that would otherwise require separate dedicated machining heads

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

2Device complexity

If a stationary machining head is used for machining elongated workpieces, then the device structure is simplified, but the machining efficiency and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidmachining efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The machining head transitions from a stationary position to a dynamic system with multiple degrees of freedom, including rotational movement about a vertical axis and lateral movement perpendicular to transport direction. This dynamic capability enables the machining head to access and machine all profile bars (both parallel and perpendicular to transport direction) during a single pass, significantly improving machining efficiency without requiring excessive structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If profile bars perpendicular to transport direction are not machined by machining heads, then the machining process is simplified, but additional post-processing operations are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining processVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The machining head's rotational and lateral movement capabilities enable continuous machining operations on all profile bars without interrupting the workpiece transport flow. Profile bars perpendicular to the transport direction can be machined in the same continuous pass as profile bars parallel to transport direction, eliminating the need for separate post-processing operations and reducing total production time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3357617B1Profile processing device, profile processing line, and process
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 F M ROTOX SP ZOO
  • EP3357617B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3357617B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3357617B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device, in particular a profile machining machine, for the machining of elongated workpieces, especially profile bars or window or door frames or sashes composed of profile bars, wherein the workpiece (2) to be machined can be arranged on a workpiece support (3) and the workpiece (2) and at least one machining head (4, 5) can be moved relative to each other in a direction of travel (6) along the workpiece support (3), wherein at least one machining unit (7, 37) with at least one machining tool (8, 18) held thereon for machining the workpiece (2) is arranged on the machining head (4, 5) and is movable in a positioning plane (9) extending transversely or perpendicularly to the direction of travel (6). The object of the invention is to provide an improved device with which a workpiece can be machined significantly more efficiently and flexibly.This task is accomplished by making the machining unit (7, 37) rotatable and/or pivotable about at least one axis of rotation (10, 11) extending transversely or perpendicularly to the direction of travel (6) by means of a drive, relative to the machining head (4, 5). The device can be part of a profile machining line. Furthermore, a machining method is provided.