Wood Profiling Machine Clamping Vice Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing profiling machines for elongated wood components, such as door and window frames, are cumbersome and costly due to complex handling of upper jaws, which complicates the profiling process.

Innovation Solution

A machine with a feeding line and gripping and conveying unit that uses a gantry frame with operating heads and electrospindles, along with clamping vices and belt conveyors, to profile wood components efficiently and cost-effectively, eliminating the need for cumbersome upper jaw handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If upper jaws of clamping vices extend over the resting plane to clamp components, then clamping function is achieved, but the machine becomes cumbersome and handling becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping functionVSAvoidhandling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping function is segmented between the lower jaws (fixed to the gantry frame) and the upper jaws (movable relative to lower jaws). This allows the lower jaws to remain stationary on the resting plane while upper jaws provide the clamping action, eliminating the need for complex handling of extended upper jaws over the resting plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gantry frame acts as an intermediary structure that supports the clamping vices. It provides a stable framework that allows the upper jaws to move between clamping and releasing positions without requiring complex handling mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable clamping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional clamping vices with extended upper jaws are used, then component clamping is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent clampingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping vice is merged with the gantry frame structure, where the lower jaws are fixed to the frame and the upper jaws are integrated into the movable clamping mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for separate, complex handling systems, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining effective clamping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping vice design allows the upper jaws to automatically move between clamping and releasing positions through the profiling mechanism's operation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex handling systems, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple clamping vices are used to profile both longitudinal faces, then complete profiling is achieved, but machine complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofiling capabilityVSAvoidmachine structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gantry frame with its movable operating heads provides a universal profiling capability that can profile both longitudinal faces of the component. The same gantry structure supports multiple clamping vices and profiling tools, eliminating the need for separate machines or complex multi-machine setups, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing overall complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2105269B1A method and machine for profiling elongated wood components or the like, specifically components for door and window frames
Publication Date: 2014.02.12 BIESSE SPA
  • EP2105269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2105269B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2105269B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and machine for profiling elongated wood components (2) or the like, according to which each component (2) is transversally fed along a resting plane (P1) and against a stopper device (23), is raised from the resting plane (P1) and moved downstream of the stopper device (23) by means of at least one clamping vice (38) movable between a lowered position, in which the clamping vice (38) is arranged underneath the resting plane (P1), and a raised position, in which the clamping vice (38) protrudes over the resting plane (P1) itself, and is longitudinally profiled by means of at least one operating head (16).