Wood Processing Layout Combining Multi-Axis Machining and Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wood processing systems face challenges in processing complex shapes and multi-product small-quantity production due to limited processing capabilities and increased size, complexity, and cost, particularly when dealing with long wood pieces.
Innovation Solution
A wood processing system incorporating a wood conveying device with a multi-axis processing machine and multi-articulated robots, featuring spindle and arm movements with multiple linear and rotational axes, allowing for versatile tool attachment and precise processing, while sharing roles to enhance processing accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processing machines and line conveyors are arranged in series to process wood, then wood can be processed into desired shapes, but the system becomes enlarged, complicated, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single processing machine to perform multiple types of operations through automated tool changing. The processing machine can switch between different tools (cutting tools, drilling tools, sanding tools, etc.) to execute various wood processing tasks sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated processing machines and thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining versatile processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the automated tool changing mechanism that allows the processing machine to dynamically adapt its functionality during operation. The tool magazine stores multiple tools, and the system can automatically select and change tools based on the required processing step, making the machine flexible and adaptable to different processing requirements without physical reconfiguration
2Device complexity
If each processing machine performs only specific processing with limited degrees of freedom, then the system is simpler, but it becomes difficult to process wood into complicated shapes or cope with multi-product small-quantity production
Solution Approach 1:
The processing machine is designed with multi-functionality to perform various operations including cutting, drilling, sanding, and other wood processing tasks by automatically changing tools from the tool magazine. This universal capability allows a single machine to replace multiple specialized machines, providing processing flexibility for complicated shapes and multi-product production while maintaining relative system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes processing parameters dynamically by selecting different tools from the tool magazine based on the required operation. Each tool has specific parameters (cutting speed, drill diameter, sanding grit, etc.), and the automated tool changing enables the machine to adjust these parameters automatically, providing versatility for different wood processing requirements without increasing system complexity
3Ease of operation
If benches are arranged to draw an arc to accommodate multi-articulated robots, then robots can process wood, but long wood pieces cannot be fully processed as they extend beyond the movable range of the robots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by arranging processing machines in a vertical stack configuration rather than spreading them horizontally along an arc. Multiple processing machines are positioned at different heights (upper, middle, lower positions) to process different sections of long wood pieces simultaneously, extending the processable length capability by utilizing vertical space instead of horizontal arc space
4Extent of automation
If multi-articulated robots are used to grip and convey long wood pieces, then automation is achieved, but the wood must be moved multiple times which reduces processing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The wood processing system segments the long wood piece into multiple sections that can be processed simultaneously by different processing machines positioned at upper, middle, and lower locations. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different wood sections, reducing the need for multiple gripping and conveying operations and thereby improving processing efficiency while maintaining automation
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a wood processing system including a wood conveying device having a longitudinal direction along one direction in the horizontal direction and being capable of conveying wood along the longitudinal direction; a multi-axis processing machine arranged on one side in the longitudinal direction of the wood conveying device, the multi-axis processing machine including a spindle capable of being attached with a first tool, and a spindle moving device having two or more linear axes perpendicular to one another and two or more rotational axes for moving the spindle; and at least one multi-articulated robot arranged along the wood conveying device on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the wood conveying device, the at least one multi-articulated robot including a wrist capable of being attached with a tool unit including a second tool, and an arm having six or more rotational axes for moving the wrist.