Wood Machining Centre Locating Table Cam Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing machining centres for wood workpieces face inefficiencies due to complex construction and operation of locating tables, leading to increased costs and slowed machining processes, as they require additional actuators and guides for height adjustment and retraction, which complicates the machine cycle programs and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A machining centre with a simplified architecture for machining head and locating table movement systems, utilizing cam profiles and independent guides to allow for easy and instantaneous adjustment and retraction of tables along the vertical axis, decoupling their movement from the machining heads, thus streamlining table transitions and eliminating the need for complex programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional actuators and guides are used to adjust and move the tables along the vertical axis Z, then the tables can be positioned and retracted to prevent collisions with tools, but the device complexity increases and the machining speed decreases due to additional movement steps and feedback requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the table support function with the existing machining head structure. The tables are supported by the machining heads themselves rather than by separate independent guides and actuators, merging multiple functions into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for additional complexity while maintaining the ability to position and retract tables to prevent tool collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The machining heads are given a dual function: they both perform the machining operations and simultaneously support and position the tables. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate table support mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability in collision prevention.
2Reliability
If additional actuators and guides are used for table adjustment, then the tables can be precisely positioned and retracted, but the productivity decreases due to additional programmed movement steps and feedback signals required
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the table support function with the machining head, the patent eliminates the need for separate actuator control systems and feedback loops. The tables move with the machining heads as an integrated unit, removing additional programmed movement steps and feedback signal requirements, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration allows the tables to continuously follow the machining heads without interruption for separate positioning cycles. The useful action of machining continues without breaks for table repositioning, as the tables are automatically positioned by the machining head movement itself, eliminating productivity losses from additional movement steps.
3Device complexity
If the tables are supported directly by the machining heads and move with them, then the architecture is simplified, but the tables must be constantly adjusted to maintain proper positioning relative to the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the table support with the machining head movement system, creating a simplified architecture where tables are passively positioned by the machining head's own movement. This eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms while maintaining proper table positioning relative to the workpiece throughout the machining cycle.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances productivity by simplifying the adjustment and movement of locating tables, reducing operational complexity and costs, while maintaining high machining efficiency and safety by allowing tables to be easily positioned and retracted without requiring additional actuators or complex feedback systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cam profile (16) on said at least one guide (11, 15) allowing said at least one locating table (10, 14) to be lifted or lowered, together with the at least one machining head (7, 13), along said third axis Z
Data Source
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AI summary
A machining centre for machining workpieces (1) made of wood or the like comprises: a worktable (3) supporting the workpiece (1) and equipped with at least one holding part (4) positioned at the side of the worktable (3) and designed to clamp the workpiece (1) and, respectively, to move it in a direction of feed coinciding with a first axis (X) towards a frame (6), extending transversally to the worktable (3), and supporting a machining head (7) slidably movable along a second axis (Y) transversal to the worktable (3) and along a third, vertical axis (Z); a holding table (10) is inserted between the machining head (7) and the workpiece (1), movable with the machining head (7) along the second, transversal axis (Y); the table (10) slidably associated with a first supporting guide (11), positioned on the frame (6) and extending parallel with the second, transversal axis (Y); means (12) for adjusting the table (10) along the third, vertical axis (Z), positioned on the first guide (11) and acting on the table (10) in such a way as to position the table (10) relative to the workpiece (1) and irrespective of the position which the machining head (7) can assume along the third, vertical axis (Z).