Wood Semiproduct Feed Conveyors for Precise Single-Piece Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools for machining elongated wooden semiproducts face issues such as reduced precision, potential machine blockage, and structural damage due to friction and incorrect engagement of semiproducts, particularly when handling semiproducts of different sizes.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool with a loading station featuring a first conveyor that positions semiproducts transversely and a second conveyor that withdraws and conveys them transversely, ensuring precise separation and feeding, while a control unit adjusts conveyor speeds and positions based on semiproduct dimensions to prevent simultaneous movement and reduce wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a motor-driven roller is used to engage and move the leading semiproduct, then the semiproduct can be conveyed along the feed path, but friction may cause the leading semiproduct to drag adjacent semiproducts along with it
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying function is divided into two separate conveyors: the first conveyor positions semiproducts transversely in the withdrawal area, and the second conveyor withdraws and conveys them longitudinally. This segmentation prevents the friction-induced dragging problem by separating the transverse positioning function from the longitudinal conveying function, ensuring that only the leading semiproduct is engaged and moved by the second conveyor.
Solution Approach 2:
The withdrawal function is extracted as a distinct operation performed by the second conveyor. The second conveyor is specifically designed to withdraw the leading semiproduct from the withdrawal area and convey it to the feed area, separating this critical function from the general conveying operation to prevent accidental engagement of multiple semiproducts.
2Productivity
If the motor-driven roller engages the leading semiproduct, then it can be moved toward the machining station, but it may accidentally engage the second semiproduct and move it simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding process is segmented into transverse positioning by the first conveyor and longitudinal conveying by the second conveyor. This segmentation ensures that the second conveyor only engages the leading semiproduct that has been properly positioned in the withdrawal area, preventing accidental engagement of the second semiproduct while maintaining continuous feeding operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first conveyor performs preliminary transverse positioning of semiproducts in the withdrawal area before the second conveyor performs the longitudinal conveying operation. This preliminary action ensures that only the leading semiproduct is in the correct position to be engaged by the second conveyor, preventing simultaneous movement of multiple semiproducts.
3Manufacturing precision
If semiproducts are fed imprecisely to the machining station, then the machining process becomes imprecise, but increasing friction to improve engagement may cause machine blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding system is segmented into two conveyors with distinct functions: the first conveyor ensures precise transverse positioning in the withdrawal area, and the second conveyor provides controlled longitudinal conveying. This segmentation eliminates the need for excessive friction to maintain engagement, as the transverse positioning ensures proper alignment before longitudinal movement, preventing machine blockage while maintaining machining precision.
4Productivity
If two semiproducts are fed simultaneously, then productivity may increase, but it causes machine blockage and premature wear of mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding operation is segmented into two sequential stages: transverse positioning by the first conveyor and longitudinal conveying by the second conveyor. This segmentation ensures that semiproducts are fed to the machining station one at a time in a controlled manner, preventing simultaneous feeding that would cause machine blockage and excessive wear, while maintaining continuous operation for high productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine tool (1) for machining elongated, wooden semiproducts, comprising a loading station (2) provided with a first conveyor (10) configured for transversely conveying a succession (S) of juxtaposed semiproducts along a loading path (R1) and a second conveyor (20), located downstream of the first conveyor (10) along the loading path (R1), configured to withdraw the leading semiproduct (P0) from the withdrawal area (A1), separating the leading semiproduct (P0) from the succession (S) of semiproducts and to convey the leading semiproduct (P0) transversely along the loading path (R) from the withdrawal area (A1) to a feed area (A2), the second conveyor (20) defining a second supporting surface for the semiproducts, configured to be overlaid on the first supporting surface in the withdrawal area (A1). The machine tool (1) comprises a control unit (U), connected to the conveyors (10, 20) and configured to receive operating data representing a transverse dimension (T) of the leading semiproduct (P0) and to control at least one between the first and the second conveyor (10, 20) by assigning a predetermined stroke to it as a function of the operating data.