Vacuum Workpiece Stop with Controlled Shutters for Fast Reconfiguration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional machine tools for machining wooden panels require manual intervention to modify the vacuum compartment configuration, leading to a laborious and time-consuming process for adjusting stopping conditions after changes in the cutting program.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool system with a flat support surface featuring openings connected to vacuum chambers and a shutter mechanism controlled by an automatic or semi-automatic system, allowing for the generation of negative pressure to attract workpieces and enabling easy modification of stopping areas without removing the support panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention is used to modify vacuum compartment configuration, then the support panel can be adjusted, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of vacuum compartments with an automated control system. The controller automatically activates or deactivates specific vacuum compartments based on the cutting program parameters, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing adjustment time while maintaining adaptability to different cutting configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the vacuum compartment configuration in real-time based on the cutting program. The controller receives cutting parameters and automatically configures the active vacuum compartments accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to different workpiece stopping conditions without manual reconfiguration
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of vacuum compartments is required, then configuration can be modified, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically configuring the vacuum compartments based on the cutting program parameters. The controller autonomously determines which compartments to activate or deactivate without requiring operator intervention, simplifying the operation while maintaining full configurability of stopping conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of adjusting vacuum compartments is replaced by an automated control system that electronically manages the vacuum activation/deactivation based on cutting program inputs, significantly improving ease of operation
3Ease of operation
If support panel removal is required to access valves, then valve adjustment is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for physical access to valves by implementing remote electronic control of the vacuum compartments. The controller manages the vacuum activation and deactivation through automated signals, removing the support panel and manual valve adjustment steps entirely, thus reducing device complexity while improving ease of operation
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 solution enhances productivity by allowing for efficient and automatic adjustment of workpiece stopping conditions, reducing structural complexity and eliminating the need for manual intervention in modifying the vacuum compartment configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a system for generating a negative pressure connected to said at least one chamber for generating a negative pressure in said at least one chamber
Implementation Method 2
said at least one workpiece to be machined stops due to the effect of the attraction exerted by said negative pressure on said at least one workpiece to be machined towards said support
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Described is a machine tool (1) comprising a system for stopping workpieces to be machined, said system comprising: a support (6) which is substantially flat for supporting at least one workpiece to be machined, in said support (6) there being formed at least one opening (9), beneath which there is at least one chamber (10); a system for generating a negative pressure connected to said at least one chamber (10) for generating a negative pressure in said at least one chamber (10); at least one shutter (11, 17) positioned beneath said at least one opening (9), said at least one shutter (11, 17) being movable between a raised position, in which said at least one shutter (11, 17) closes said at least one opening (9) and prevents, in use, said negative pressure in said at least one chamber (10) from passing through said at least one opening (9), and a lowered position, in which said at least one opening (9) is left at least partially open by said at least one shutter (11, 17) and said negative pressure propagates, in use, from said at least one chamber (10) to said at least one opening (9); and a control system connected to said at least one shutter (11, 17), for controlling the movement of said at least one shutter (11, 17) between said raised position and said lowered position, in such a way that when said at least one workpiece to be machined is positioned, in use, above said support (6) and said control system commands said at least one shutter (11, 17) to position itself in said lowered position, said at least one workpiece to be machined stops due to the effect of the attraction exerted by said negative pressure on said at least one workpiece to be machined towards said support (6).