Wood Processing Cell for Long Timber and Complex Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 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 multi-axis processing machine with a spindle moving device and a multi-articulated robot, both equipped with various tools and axes for precise movement, along with a wood conveying device, to enable efficient processing of long wood and complex shapes while sharing roles to reduce system size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processing machines and line conveyors are used to process wood, then processing capability is improved, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single processing machine to perform multiple processing operations through automated tool changing. The machine can switch between different tools (cutting tools, drilling tools, sanding tools, etc.) to execute various processing tasks, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated processing machines and reducing system complexity while maintaining versatile processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple processing functions into a single integrated machine system. By merging tool changing capability with multiple processing operations in one machine, the system consolidates what would traditionally require separate machines, thereby reducing overall system complexity and space requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processing machines are used to process wood, then processing capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces system cost by implementing a universal processing machine that can perform multiple operations through automated tool changing. Instead of purchasing and maintaining multiple specialized machines, the system uses one machine with interchangeable tools, significantly reducing capital expenditure and operational costs while maintaining comprehensive processing capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-articulated robots are used to process long wood, then flexibility is improved, but processing efficiency decreases due to multiple movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the long wood into multiple processing sections that can be handled independently. The processing machine moves along the wood in systematic passes, processing different sections in an organized sequence rather than requiring the wood to be moved multiple times by robots, thereby maintaining flexibility while improving processing efficiency
4Device complexity
If processing machines with low degree of freedom are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but ability to process complex shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by equipping the processing machine with automated tool changing capability and multiple processing functions. The machine maintains relative simplicity in its basic structure while gaining the ability to process complex shapes through the versatility of interchangeable tools and automated operation sequences
Data Source
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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.