Wood Frame Processing Machine with Segmented Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for processing wood components, such as frame components, have low flexibility and productivity due to the bridge crane's alternating engagement in processing and transferring operations, limiting their efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A machine design featuring an elongated base with multiple grip and transfer assemblies that move components along a horizontal path, allowing for simultaneous processing at multiple stations with adjustable grip and transfer devices, enabling efficient transfer and processing of components between inlet, working, and outlet stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a bridge crane is used to alternatively engage in processing operations and transferring operations, then the machine structure is simplified, but productivity and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine structureVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is divided into multiple independent processing stations (first processing station, second processing station, etc.) arranged along the base. Each station has its own working head and clamping vice, allowing simultaneous processing of different components at different stations. The grip and transfer device is separated from the processing functions, enabling independent operation of transfer and processing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple processing stations and working heads are combined on a single machine base, allowing multiple operations to be performed simultaneously on different components. The grip and transfer device integrates both gripping functionality and transfer capability, enabling continuous material flow through the system without requiring separate transfer mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a bridge crane alternatively engages in processing and transferring operations, then the machine is easier to operate, but flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping vices are designed to be mobile along the crosspieces, allowing dynamic adjustment of clamping positions. The grip and transfer device can move along the base between different stations, providing dynamic adaptability to different component sizes and processing requirements. This mobility enables the machine to handle various frame components with different dimensions and configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple processing stations are arranged along the base, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple working heads are provided, each capable of performing different processing operations (drilling, countersinking, slotting, etc.). The crosspieces can be positioned at different locations along the base and used for different processing tasks. This multi-functionality allows a single machine to perform various operations on different components without requiring separate specialized machines.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2305440B1Method and machine for processing frame components made of wood and the like
Publication Date: 2013.12.04 BIESSE SPA
  • EP2305440B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2305440B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2305440B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3f

AI summary

Method and machine for processing frame components (2) made of wood or the like, according to which a grip and transfer unit (5) is moved with an alternative rectilinear motion along a path (P) extending through an inlet station (15) of the components (2) in the machine, at least one working station (17,18) for processing components (2), and an outlet station (16) of the components (2) from the machine itself; the alternative rectilinear motion comprising a forth stroke for feeding a first component (2) from the inlet station (15) to the working station (17, 18) and a second component (2) from the working station (17, 18) to the outlet station (16) and a back stroke.