Vacuum Blocking Surface With Air-Blast Self-Cleaning for CNC Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional machining centers require manual cleaning of blocking members after each machining operation to remove dust and scraps, which is inefficient and disrupts continuous operation.

Innovation Solution

A blocking device with integrated vacuum and compressed air passages for automated cleaning, using vacuum to secure workpieces and compressed air to remove dust and scraps from the blocking surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual cleaning of blocking members is performed after each machining operation, then dust and scraps are removed from blocking surfaces, but operation time is lost and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking effectivenessVSAvoidmachining efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking device performs cleaning operations on itself automatically through integrated vacuum and compressed air systems. The vacuum unit removes dust and scraps from blocking surfaces, while compressed air blows debris away, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining continuous productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system is activated automatically after machining operations to prepare blocking surfaces for the next workpiece. This preliminary cleaning action ensures blocking effectiveness is restored before the next machining cycle begins, preventing any loss of operational time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If blocking members are frequently cleaned manually, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but device complexity increases due to operational interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking performanceVSAvoidsystem operational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum unit, compressed air system, and blocking device are integrated into a single unified system. The vacuum unit includes both vacuum chambers for dust removal and compressed air chambers for debris expulsion, all controlled through automated mechanisms that work seamlessly with the blocking device's normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking device serves multiple functions: it blocks workpieces during machining and automatically cleans itself afterward. The same structural components serve both blocking and cleaning purposes, eliminating the need for separate cleaning equipment and reducing overall system complexity

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

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

Enables self-cleaning of blocking devices, ensuring effective and safe operation, increasing productivity and machining quality by maintaining a clean and stable working environment.

Implementation Method 1

a first opening for the vacuum, connectable, in use, to means for generating the vacuum to allow, in use, the blocking of a panel or other workpiece on said blocking device by means of the vacuum generated by said means for generating the vacuum at said top surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

at least a second opening for compressed air flows into said top surface, which can be connected, in use, to a source of compressed air to allow, in use, removing dust and/or scraps and/or machining residues from at least one top area of said blocking device expelling compressed air from said at least one second opening at said top surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressed air: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentEP4282579A1Device for blocking pieces to be worked and machine tool incorporating at least one such device
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 SCM GRP
  • EP4282579A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4282579A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4282579A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a blocking device (5) for blocking panels or other workpieces, suitable for use in a working plane (3) of a machine tool (1) for machining panels or other workpieces, on the top of said blocking device (5) a top surface (12) being defined into which at least a first opening (13) leads, for the vacuum, connectable, in use, to means for generating the vacuum to allow, in use, the blocking of a panel or other workpiece on said blocking device (5) by means of the vacuum generated by said means for generating the vacuum at said top surface (12). In said top surface (12) flows at least a second opening (19) for compressed air flows into said top surface (12), which can be connected, in use, to a source of compressed air to allow, in use, removing dust and/or scraps and/or machining residues from at least one top area of said blocking device (5) expelling compressed air from said at least one second opening (19) at said top surface (12) through the use of said source of compressed air.