Sheet Machining Tool Clearance for Collision-Free Part Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools for editing plate-shaped workpieces face challenges in ensuring process reliability when removing separated workpiece parts, particularly due to limitations in movement and collision risks.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool and procedure where the upper tool is positioned outside a spatial volume above the separated workpiece part, allowing for increased removal height and freedom, and enabling collision-free removal without requiring additional processing movements of the workpiece part.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the upper tool remains in position above the severed workpiece part, then the machining position is maintained, but collision risk increases and removal height is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess reliabilityVSAvoidcollision risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The upper tool is moved outside the spatial volume of the severed workpiece part before the removal operation begins. This preliminary action clears the removal path and creates sufficient vertical space, preventing collision between the upper tool and the workpiece part during the gripping and removal operations that follow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Length of stationary object

If the upper tool is moved outside the spatial volume above the workpiece part, then removal height increases and collision is prevented, but the tool positioning changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval heightVSAvoidtool positioning control
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upper tool's position is made dynamic rather than static. The tool is repositioned along the lifting axis based on the operational phase: positioned above the workpiece during machining, then moved outside the spatial volume during removal operations. This dynamic positioning adapts to different operational requirements without adding mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the workpiece part is moved during separation, then separation can be achieved, but unnecessary movement increases complexity and risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation processVSAvoidworkpiece movement requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separation process is decoupled from the removal process. The severing operation separates the workpiece part from the main workpiece while it remains in position on the workpiece support. The removal operation then takes place independently after the upper tool has moved outside the spatial volume. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex coordinated movements during separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3515628B1Method and machine tool for machining planar workpieces, in particular metal sheets
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 TRUMPF WERKZEUGMASCHINEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3515628B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3515628B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3515628B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and to a machine tool for machining planar workpieces, in particular metal sheets, wherein an upper tool (11), which can be moved along a reciprocation axis (14) by means of a reciprocation drive device (13) in a direction toward a workpiece (10) to be machined by means of the upper tool (11) and in the opposite direction, is positioned along an upper positioning axis (16) extending perpendicularly to the reciprocation axis (14) by means of at least one motor drive assembly (17), wherein a lower tool (9), which is aligned with the upper tool (11), is positioned along a lower positioning axis (25) by means of at least one motor drive assembly (26), which lower positioning axis is oriented perpendicularly to the reciprocation axis (14) of the upper tool (11), wherein the upper and lower tools (11, 9) are moved in the frame interior (7) of a machine frame (2), wherein the workpiece (10) lies on a workpiece support (28, 29) for machining, wherein the motor drive assemblies (17, 26) are controlled for moving the upper and lower tools (11, 9) by means of a controller (15) and at least one workpiece part (81) is cut from the workpiece (10), wherein, in order to remove the at least one workpiece part (81) cut from the workpiece (10) after the last cutting step, the upper tool (11) is moved outside of a spatial volume (220) which extends above the cut workpiece part (81) and which is formed at least by means of a predefined part of the base area of the workpiece part (81) in the workpiece plane and of a perpendicular to the workpiece part (81) toward the upper positioning axis (16) or by a predefined part of the base area and of a region outside the base area of the workpiece part (81) in the workpiece plane and of a perpendicular to the workpiece part (81) toward the upper positioning axis (16), and then the cut workpiece part (81) is removed.