Woodworking Machine Conveyor Decoupling to Reduce Chatter Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing woodworking devices experience inaccuracies such as 'chatter marks' during machining of plate-shaped workpieces due to the interaction between the workpiece and the transport device, particularly noticeable with chain tracks, despite advanced control systems.
Innovation Solution
A woodworking device and method that decouples the workpiece from the transport device during processing by using a retaining device to hold the workpiece frictionally, allowing it to be transported separately, and a top pressure device to maintain contact with the transport device, minimizing inaccuracies like chatter marks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the workpiece is transported on a chain conveyor during machining, then continuous feed and productivity are improved, but machining precision deteriorates due to chatter marks and polygon effect
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a support conveyor that provides continuous feed, and a separate holding device that takes over during machining. This segmentation allows the workpiece to be handled differently during transport versus processing, eliminating the polygon effect from the machining zone while maintaining continuous feed capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device extracts the workpiece from contact with the chain conveyor during the machining process. By removing the workpiece from the transporting chain just before and during machining, the source of vibration and polygon effect is eliminated, while the chain conveyor continues to provide continuous feed capability.
2Ease of operation
If the workpiece remains in contact with the transport device during processing, then ease of operation is improved, but machining precision deteriorates due to synchronization inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device acts as an intermediary between the chain conveyor and the machining tool. It temporarily assumes responsibility for workpiece positioning and support during machining, mediating the interaction between transport and processing functions. This intermediary role eliminates direct contact between the workpiece and the chain conveyor during critical machining operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If a holding device is introduced to decouple the workpiece from the transport device, then machining precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is merged with the machining unit as an integrated assembly that moves together along the workpiece. This combining of functions reduces the number of independently controlled components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to decouple the workpiece from the transport conveyor during machining.
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
Prevents inaccuracies by ensuring precise synchronization between the workpiece and processing unit, reducing or eliminating 'chatter marks' and other machining errors.
Implementation Method 1
a holding device (4), movable parallel to the direction of travel, for holding a workpiece (5) in contact, in particular frictionally engaged, with the transport device (3)
Data Source
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AI summary
The woodworking device (1) in the form of a continuous feed machine has a transport device (3), preferably a chain conveyor, movable in a through-feed direction (X), with which a workpiece (5), in particular a plate-shaped one, made of wood or wood substitute, can be brought into contact for transport parallel to the through-feed direction (X). Furthermore, the woodworking device (1) has a processing unit (6), in particular a milling unit, movable parallel to the through-feed direction (X), for processing the workpiece (5) as it passes through the continuous feed machine in the through-feed direction (X).Furthermore, the woodworking device (1) has a holding device (4) movable parallel to the direction of travel (X), which is designed to hold a workpiece (5) in contact with the transport device (3), preferably frictionally, thereby releasing the contact between the workpiece (5) and the transport device (5) and transporting it in the held state parallel to the direction of travel (X).