Vacuum Blocking Assembly With Selective Shutter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blocking devices in machining centers activate or deactivate all vacuum elements simultaneously, leading to inefficient vacuum usage for small pieces and difficulties in loading multiple small pieces, as they cannot be selectively controlled independently of other devices.
Innovation Solution
A blocking device with a shutter mechanism that allows selective opening and closing of vacuum ducts using compressed air, enabling independent activation and deactivation of vacuum for each workpiece, and a support base assembly with vacuum and compressed air channels for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If vacuum is transmitted to all blocking elements simultaneously, then all blocking devices are activated, but vacuum efficiency decreases and energy is wasted when only some blocking elements are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is segmented into individual controllable units through the shutter device. Each blocking element can receive vacuum independently through its own shutter mechanism, allowing selective activation only where needed, thus improving vacuum efficiency and reducing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter device introduces dynamic control to the previously static vacuum transmission system. The shutter can be opened or closed based on operational requirements, enabling the system to adapt vacuum transmission to actual needs and improve energy efficiency.
2Productivity
If all blocking elements are activated simultaneously, then complete coverage is achieved, but loading multiple small pieces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking system is divided into independently controllable segments via individual shutter devices. This segmentation allows the operator to activate only the blocking elements needed for specific workpiece sizes and configurations, making it easier to load multiple small pieces selectively rather than dealing with all blocking elements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Vacuum transmission is applied locally only where needed rather than uniformly across all blocking elements. The shutter device enables local activation of vacuum for specific blocking elements, providing the flexibility needed to accommodate different workpiece sizes and loading configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple mechanical structure is used for the blocking device, then production cost is reduced, but selective vacuum control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter device is designed as a simple mechanical component that can be manufactured cost-effectively. By segmenting the vacuum control function into this straightforward mechanical shutter mechanism, the system gains selective activation capability without requiring complex electronic or pneumatic control systems, thus maintaining low production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter device utilizes pneumatic actuation through a pneumatic cylinder to achieve selective opening and closing of the vacuum duct. This pneumatic mechanism provides a simple yet effective means of independent control for each blocking element, adding versatility without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.
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 efficient vacuum usage by activating only necessary blocking devices, facilitating the loading of small pieces by allowing selective vacuum control, reducing unnecessary vacuum usage and improving the machining process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
supplying the vacuum to said blocking device (1) through said vacuum duct (11) so as to activate said blocking device (1) and allow it to block a piece to be machined
Implementation Method 2
supplying compressed air to said blocking device (1), through said compressed air inlet duct (12), to move the shuttle (14) from the open position to the closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a blocking device (1) of a workpiece, comprising a body (19), having an upper surface (17), intended to support said workpiece to clamp it, wherein said upper surface (17) has at least one opening (173), and wherein a vacuum duct (11) is formed inside said body (19) configured to be connected, when the blocking device (1) is in use, to a vacuum generating device for generating a vacuum, in particular a vacuum pump (P) connected to said at least one opening (173), wherein said blocking device (1) comprises a shutter device (18) arranged inside said body (19) configured to selectively close and open said vacuum duct (11). The present invention also relates to a base-blocking device assembly (A), a machine (M) for machining workpieces and an operating method of the blocking device (1).