Machining Device Tool Change System Longitudinal Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining devices with tool changing arrangements face challenges in achieving flexible and independent access to tools while minimizing space requirements, technical complexity, and costs, and reducing tool changing time.

Innovation Solution

The tool changing arrangement is positioned at least partially on a longitudinal side of the guide device, allowing only one side to be designed for spindle unit movement, using a single guide device and tool changing arrangement, which reduces space and cost, and minimizes tool changing time by optimizing tool access and transfer distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two guide devices are provided for two spindle units to access tools independently, then independent access for spindle units is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent access for spindle unitsVSAvoidnumber of guide devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the tool changing arrangements for both spindle units onto a single guide device. The tool changing arrangement includes a chain changer with tool holders that can service both spindle units from one location, eliminating the need for separate guide devices for each spindle unit while maintaining independent access capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single guide device is designed with universal functionality to serve both spindle units. The tool changing arrangement on the guide device can transfer tools to either spindle unit independently, making the guide device multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single spindle unit

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

2Loss of time

If tool changing arrangement is positioned on longitudinal side of guide device, then tool changing time is reduced, but space utilization changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool changing timeVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the tool changing arrangement from traditional end-positioning to longitudinal side positioning along the guide device. This spatial reconfiguration reduces the transfer distance between tool changing arrangement and spindle units, enabling faster tool changes while optimizing the use of available space in the machining device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2656965B1Machining device with tool change system, in particular derailleur
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP2656965B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2656965B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2656965B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (1) has two spindle units (3) movably arranged at a side of a beam-shaped guiding unit (2) e.g. portal. A tool changing unit (4) supplies the spindle units with machining tools and/or processing aggregates (5). The tool changing unit is partially arranged at a long side of the guiding unit. The tool changing unit is upward or downward movably arranged with respect to the spindle units. The spindle units are arranged between the guiding unit and tool changing unit. A transition region (6) transmits the tools from the tool changing unit to the spindle units. The workpieces are made of timber, timber material or plastic material.