6-Sided Wood Machining via Dynamic Processing Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing woodworking systems cannot easily perform machining operations on all six sides of a workpiece without the need for additional bending devices.

Innovation Solution

A woodworking system with a processing unit that can move in three linear axes (X, Y, Z) and rotate about three axes (A, B, C), allowing the machining tool to pivot and reach all sides of the workpiece, eliminating the need for a folding device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional woodworking system with fixed processing unit is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot perform machining operations on all six sides of a workpiece

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining capability on all six sidesVSAvoidprocessing unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing unit is made dynamically movable along the X, Y, and Z axes, allowing it to reach all six sides of the workpiece. The carrier moves along the Y-axis while the processing unit moves along the X-axis and Z-axis, creating a dynamic positioning system that provides comprehensive machining capability without requiring multiple fixed processing stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If an additional edge-turning device is added to achieve 6-sided processing, then all six sides can be machined, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve6-sided processing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of processing units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing unit is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can perform all machining operations on all six sides of the workpiece. By combining movement along three linear axes (X, Y, Z) with rotational capability about the X-axis, a single processing unit replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized units including an edge-turning device.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of multiple processing units into a single integrated processing unit. The carrier structure combines the functions of what would traditionally be separate fixed processing stations, allowing one unified device to perform all machining operations that previously required multiple independent units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the workpiece is rotated about its longitudinal axis to enable 6-sided machining, then all sides can be accessed, but additional edge-turning device is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to all workpiece sidesVSAvoidadditional rotating device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating the workpiece, the processing unit itself is made dynamic with rotational capability about the X-axis. This allows the processing unit to approach the workpiece from different angles and machine all six sides while the workpiece remains stationary on the carrier, eliminating the need for separate rotation devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2353820B2Wood processing assembly
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 HUNDEGGER HANS
  • EP2353820B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2353820B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2353820B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The wood processing system has a workpiece support formed for supporting of workpieces (1), where a processing device is arranged in the workpiece support between a forward support area (2a) and a rear support area (2b). The processing device has a processing unit (15) for receiving a machining tool (16). The processing unit is movable in two linear axes mutually perpendicular to each other. A transport device is provided for displacement of the workpieces resting on the workpiece support.