Adjustable Section Bar Gripping for Scratch-Free Profile Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines processing section bars made of aluminum, light alloys, or PVC lack flexibility due to jaws in horizontal vices that cannot adapt to the shape of the bars, resulting in reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The machine incorporates a system with movable rollers and adjustable gripping devices featuring pneumatic nozzles and deformable strips to accommodate varying section bar shapes, along with a bridge crane and milling unit for efficient processing and chip removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed rigid jaws are used in horizontal vices, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the adaptability to different section bar shapes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the gripping device adjustable rather than fixed. The horizontal vice jaws can be repositioned along the vice body to accommodate different section bar shapes and sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same gripping device to adapt to various workpiece geometries without requiring multiple specialized fixtures, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a gripping device that can handle multiple types of section bars with different shapes and dimensions. The adjustable horizontal vice jaws, combined with the vertical vice arrangement, create a universal gripping system that can securely hold various profiles (aluminum extrusions, light alloys, PVC, etc.). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated gripping devices for each section bar type, improving adaptability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid gripping jaws are used, then the gripping force is strong and stable, but the risk of scratching or grooving the section bar surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by covering the rigid gripping jaws with flexible protective elements such as rubber or plastic strips. These flexible coatings conform to the section bar surface while providing a cushioning layer that prevents direct contact between hard metal jaws and the workpiece surface. This eliminates scratches and grooves during gripping, while the underlying rigid structure maintains sufficient gripping force and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary material (protective coating or soft strip) between the gripping jaw and the section bar surface. This intermediary layer serves as a mediator that transmits the gripping force while protecting the workpiece surface from damage. The soft coating allows reliable gripping through friction and normal force without causing mechanical damage to the aluminum, light alloy, or PVC surfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom-shaped jaws are manufactured for each section bar type, then the adaptability is high, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing custom-shaped jaws for each section bar type, the patent employs adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the same jaw assembly to be reconfigured for different profiles. The horizontal vice jaws can be moved to different positions and angles, and the protective coatings can be adjusted or replaced without requiring complete jaw redesign. This dynamic reconfiguration approach achieves high adaptability while keeping manufacturing simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the gripping device geometry to be modified through adjustment rather than manufacturing. Parameters such as jaw position, angle, and protective coating thickness can be changed to suit different section bar configurations. This approach enables high adaptability through parameter adjustment rather than physical redesign, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to handle diverse aluminum, light alloy, and PVC section bars.
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 enhances flexibility and reduces the risk of scratches or grooves during processing, improving the machine's ability to handle diverse section bar configurations while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
configured to generate an air jet at least partially parallel to the face 40 so as to remove chips and/or machining scraps
Implementation Method 2
configured to deform, absorb chips and/or processing scraps trapped between the section bars 2 and the strips 42
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine to process section bars (2) made of aluminium, light alloy, PVC or the like has an elongated base (3) extending in a first direction (4), at least one gripping device (34) provided with a first jaw (67) and with a second jaw (70), which are movable relative to one another in a second direction (10) transverse to the first direction (4) between a clamping position and a release position to clamp and release at least one section bar (2), and a driving device (79) to move at least the second jaw (70) in a third direction (15), which is orthogonal to the first direction (4) and to the second direction (10).