Section Bar Processing Machine Clamping Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing section bar processing machines are either expensive and complex due to multiple synchronized motors or prone to slippage and synchronization issues with non-motorized clamping vices, which compromise processing accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A machine design featuring two roller support devices with movable rollers, a feeding system with independent horizontal and vertical slides, and a combination of motorized and non-motorized clamping vices, where the non-motorized vice is locked to the track by a locking device, ensuring integral movement without slippage, and an overhead crane for cutting and milling operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If one clamping vice is motorised and the other is non-motorised, then cost and complexity are reduced, but slippage occurs and synchronization is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor complexityVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical coupling system (where the second vice is dragged along the base) with a locking device that engages with a guide track. This substitution eliminates slippage while maintaining the cost advantage of having only one motorized vice, as the locking device provides reliable mechanical engagement without requiring additional motors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide track acts as an intermediary element between the two clamping vices. The locking device on the second vice engages with this track, providing a stable reference that ensures synchronized movement without direct mechanical coupling between the vices themselves. This intermediary structure prevents slippage while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If three motors are used to move feeding unit and two clamping vices, then independent control is achieved, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent controlVSAvoidmotor quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions by making the first and second clamping vices integral with each other through the locking device engagement with the guide track. This allows both vices to move together as a unified system, eliminating the need for separate motor control while maintaining synchronized operation. The single motorized vice provides sufficient control when combined with the mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If non-motorised clamping vice is dragged along base, then cost is reduced, but slippage occurs due to lubricating oil

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor quantityVSAvoidgrip stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the direct dragging mechanism (where the vice moves along the base surface) with a track-based system. The locking device engages with the guide track, providing a dedicated running surface that is not affected by lubricating oil on the base. This substitution maintains the non-motorized design while eliminating slippage caused by oily surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution simplifies and cost-reduces the machine design while maintaining accurate synchronization and processing integrity by eliminating slippage and reducing motor complexity, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

Each roller (8) is movable in a vertical direction (11) orthogonal to directions (4, 10) between a raised operative position and a lowered rest position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3254803B1Machine for processing section bars
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 FOM INDUSTRIE SRL
  • EP3254803B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3254803B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3254803B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a machine for processing section bars (2), each section bar (2) is fed through a processing station (16) by a first motorised holding and transporting device (33) and a second holding and transporting device (34), which is selectively coupled to the first holding and transporting device (33) so as to be moved forward by said first holding and transporting device (33).