Wood Processing Machine with Segmented Bridge Crane
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for processing wood components are cumbersome and costly due to the large, complex, and heavy bridge crane required to support two working heads, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A machine design featuring a U-shaped elongated base with a bridge crane and working head equipped with an electrospindle for milling and drilling operations, along with dual clamping groups and a feeding device with grip and transport units, allowing for efficient processing of wood components with reduced size and weight by enabling rectilinear movements and tool transfer between a closed-loop tool magazine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two working heads are provided on the bridge crane for processing wood components, then the processing capability and productivity are improved, but the bridge crane becomes large, complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The machine divides processing functions into two independent systems: a simplified bridge crane with one working head for active processing operations, and a stationary clamping group for component securing. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining dual-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the elongated base with longitudinal guiding elements and the stationary clamping group. This intermediary structure enables the working head to process components sequentially at different positions without requiring two heads mounted on the bridge crane, thus reducing bridge crane complexity.
2Productivity
If two working heads are provided on the bridge crane, then the processing capability is improved, but the size and weight of the bridge crane increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the processing system into a single mobile working head on a lightweight bridge crane and a stationary clamping infrastructure, the patent eliminates the need for a heavy-duty bridge crane designed to support two working heads, significantly reducing bridge crane weight while preserving processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking approach (two heads on one crane) to a horizontal distribution approach (one head mobile along the base with stationary clamping points). This dimensional reorganization allows the bridge crane to be lighter since it only needs to support one working head, while the processing capacity is maintained through the extended travel range along the elongated base.
3Productivity
If a heavy bridge crane is used to support two working heads, then the processing capability is improved, but the cost and complexity of the machine increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the expensive dual-head bridge crane into a affordable single-head mobile crane plus a simple stationary clamping system mounted on the elongated base. This segmentation dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to process components at multiple positions along the base.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary clamping groups mounted on the elongated base perform the clamping function independently, allowing the mobile working head to focus solely on processing operations. This self-service arrangement eliminates the need for the bridge crane to provide both clamping and processing functions, reducing overall system cost and complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A machine for processing components (2) made of wood or the like is provided with an elongated base (3), a plurality of locking devices (19) mounted to the base (3) to hold at least one component (2) to be machined, a bridge crane (8) mobile along the base (3) and provided with at least one first working head (12), and a second working head (30, 34) and/or a splinter guard device (39) mobile along a cavity (7), which is obtained in the base (3), and opens outwards at an upper surface (5) of the base (3) itself.