Woodworking Suction Flow Control for Stable Panel Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suction systems in wood machining machines have predefined negative pressure flow rates, leading to inefficiencies and potential instability of the machining process due to either inadequate or excessive suction, resulting in shavings not being correctly collected and potentially affecting the quality of the machined parts.

Innovation Solution

A method and machine configuration that includes a flow regulator and a control unit to dynamically adjust the negative pressure flow rate of the suction system based on real-time working conditions, such as tool position, part dimensions, and hold-down force, ensuring optimal suction performance during machining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a predefined negative pressure flow rate is used in the suction system, then the system structure is simple, but the machining process stability deteriorates due to inadequate or excessive suction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction system structureVSAvoidmachining process stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suction system transitions from a static predefined flow rate to a dynamic adjustable flow rate system. The flow regulator allows real-time modification of the negative pressure flow rate based on machining conditions, enabling the system to adapt to varying dust generation rates and maintain optimal suction performance throughout the machining process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system modifies the operational parameter (negative pressure flow rate) of the suction system to resolve the contradiction. By changing the flow rate parameter dynamically rather than keeping it fixed, the system achieves both structural simplicity and machining stability, as the flow rate can be adjusted to match actual machining needs without complicating the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a high negative pressure flow rate is used, then shaving collection efficiency is improved, but panel stability deteriorates due to excessive suction force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaving collection efficiencyVSAvoidpanel stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The negative pressure flow rate parameter is dynamically adjusted based on machining conditions. During high-dust-generation operations, the flow rate is increased to maximize shaving collection efficiency. During low-dust-generation or critical machining phases, the flow rate is reduced to maintain panel stability, thus resolving the contradiction between collection efficiency and panel stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The suction system employs dynamic flow rate regulation rather than a fixed high flow rate. This allows the system to optimize shaving collection during intense machining while preventing excessive suction forces that could destabilize the panel, achieving both high productivity and stability through adaptive control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If a low negative pressure flow rate is used, then panel stability is maintained, but shaving collection efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel stabilityVSAvoidshaving collection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically modifies the negative pressure flow rate parameter according to real-time machining conditions. When machining intensity increases and dust generation rises, the flow rate is increased to maintain effective shaving collection. When machining intensity decreases, the flow rate is reduced to maintain panel stability, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and collection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If excessive negative pressure flow rate is used, then shaving extraction is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaving extraction efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The negative pressure flow rate parameter is adjusted dynamically to match actual machining needs. Rather than maintaining a constantly high flow rate that would ensure maximum extraction efficiency but consume excessive energy, the system modifies the flow rate parameter in real-time, increasing it only when high extraction efficiency is required and reducing it during low-dust-generation phases, thus optimizing the balance between productivity and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The suction system transitions from a static high flow rate operation to a dynamic flow rate regulation system. This allows the system to achieve high shaving extraction efficiency only when necessary, while consuming less energy during periods when lower extraction efficiency suffices, thereby resolving the contradiction between extraction efficiency and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The dynamic regulation of negative pressure flow rate improves the efficiency of shaving collection, enhances the stability of the machining process, and maintains the aesthetic quality of the finished parts by preventing shavings from contaminating the panel or moving during machining.

Implementation Method 1

a suction system having a negative pressure flow rate and configured to extract the shavings produced by the machine during machining of the panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

configured to extract the shavings produced by the machine during machining of the panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

a flow regulator to regulate the negative pressure flow rate of the suction system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow rate regulation: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 4

a vacuum pump fluid-dynamically connected to the work table and configured to hold the panel on the work table

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 5

The multifunction table has a series of openings or holes which allow the top surface of the multifunction table to be placed in fluid-dynamic communication with one or more vacuum pumps

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP4516471A1Method for regulating a negative pressure flow rate in a woodworking machine
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 SCM GRP
  • EP4516471A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4516471A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4516471A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to a method for regulating a negative pressure flow rate in a machine for machining wood. The method comprises the step of: providing the machine with a work table configured to support and hold down a panel to be machined, a suction system having a negative pressure flow rate and configured to extract the shavings produced by the machine during machining of the panel, a flow regulator for regulating the negative pressure flow rate of the suction system, and a control unit connected to the regulator to control it; generating information relating to a plurality of working conditions of the machine; machining the panel; controlling the regulator to regulate the negative pressure flow rate of the suction system as a function of the information relating to the plurality of working conditions of the machine. This invention also relates to a machine for machining wood and comprising a control unit configured to carry out the method.