Wood Component Processing Machine Integrated Marking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for processing wood components for fixtures face inefficiencies due to the separation of processing and marking steps, requiring a gripping and handling device and resulting in a long operating cycle.

Innovation Solution

A machine design that integrates an elongated U-shaped base with longitudinal guiding members, a bridge crane, cross elements, and operating heads, where the marking device is positioned to mark the component during processing, allowing simultaneous processing and marking in a single working run using an electrospindle and cutting/coupling assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the marking device is separated from the processing head, then the marking can be performed by a dedicated device, but the operating cycle becomes longer and a gripping device is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking qualityVSAvoidoperating cycle
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the marking device with the processing operating head into a single integrated unit. The marking device is mounted on the operating head, allowing both processing operations (milling, drilling) and marking operations to be performed by the same mechanical assembly without requiring separate gripping and handling devices. This integration eliminates the need for component transfer between separate processing and marking stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating head is designed to perform multiple functions: it can carry out both processing operations (through the electrospindle with various tools) and marking operations (through the integrated marking device). This multi-functional design allows a single device to accomplish what previously required separate dedicated equipment, reducing overall system complexity and cycle time.

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

2Ease of operation

If a gripping and handling device is used to transfer components, then the component can be moved between processing and marking, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent transferVSAvoidgripping device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the marking function into the existing processing head assembly, eliminating the need for a separate gripping and handling device. The component remains clamped in the vice throughout the entire operation, and the marking device is positioned to mark the component while it is held in place by the same vice used for processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the marking function from a separate dedicated device and integrates it into the processing head. This extraction of the marking capability from a separate station and its incorporation into the existing processing assembly removes the need for additional gripping and transfer mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If processing and marking are performed in separate steps, then each operation can be optimized independently, but the total processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidoperating cycle
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous operation where the component is processed and marked in an uninterrupted sequence within a single working run. The operating head moves the component through processing stations, and the marking device performs marking operations during the same continuous motion without stopping or requiring component removal and repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The marking device is positioned and prepared in advance on the operating head, so that when the component reaches the appropriate position during processing, the marking operation can immediately commence without requiring additional setup or transfer time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2159019B1Method and machine for processing components for fixtures made of wood and the like
Publication Date: 2015.02.25 BIESSE SPA
  • EP2159019B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2159019B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2159019B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(e)

AI summary

A method and machine for processing components (2) made of wood for fixtures, according to which one component (2) is locked within at least one clamping vice (29), is longitudinally profiled, is marked, and is provided with a glass stop (34) detached from and coupled to the component (2) itself; the steps of profiling, marking, detaching and coupling the glass stop (34) being sequentially carried out during a single working run.