Workpiece Positioning with Edge Clamping for Fast CNC Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CNC-controlled machine tools face challenges in optimizing machining time and cost efficiency due to limitations in workpiece conveyance and positioning, leading to inefficiencies in processing speed and potential damage during rapid transport.
Innovation Solution
A device for positioning workpieces using deceleration and acceleration devices that clamp the workpiece at its edges, allowing high-speed conveyance, precise positioning, and secure holding during machining, eliminating the need for additional stops and synchronizing the conveyance with the deceleration and acceleration processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workpieces are conveyed at high speed through the working area, then productivity increases, but positioning precision deteriorates and slippage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying path is segmented into distinct zones: high-speed conveying zone, deceleration zone with first clamping device, machining zone with second clamping device, and acceleration zone. This segmentation allows different speed regimes in different areas, maintaining high productivity while ensuring precision positioning during machining.
Solution Approach 2:
The first clamping device performs preliminary deceleration and positioning of the workpiece before it enters the machining area. This preliminary action prepares the workpiece for precise machining by reducing its speed and securing it in position, preventing slippage during the subsequent machining operations.
2Loss of time
If deceleration distance is reduced to minimize positioning time, then productivity increases, but workpiece stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first clamping device is activated before the workpiece completes its deceleration, securing the workpiece in advance. This preliminary clamping prevents instability during the remaining deceleration phase and ensures stability during machining, achieving both rapid positioning and workpiece stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping force is dynamically applied at the optimal moment during deceleration. The system transitions from unconstrained high-speed motion to constrained low-speed positioning by activating the clamping device when the workpiece enters the deceleration zone, adapting the constraint level to the operational phase.
3Device complexity
If conventional conveying systems are used without edge-bearing devices, then device complexity is low, but slippage occurs during rapid deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping devices engage the workpiece at its lateral edges (side dimension) rather than only at the top surface. This edge-bearing approach provides more reliable friction and mechanical interlocking during deceleration, preventing slippage without requiring complex multi-point clamping mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for positioning workpieces (11) in a work area of a machining device (20), in particular a wood machining device, comprising: a conveyor device (12) for carrying out a conveyor movement of a workpiece (11) to be machined, a delay device (13) which can be moved in the conveyor direction (F) of the workpiece (11) and which is designed to delay the conveyor movement of the workpiece (11) for supplying the workpiece to the work area in that the delay device (13) rests against a front edge (16) of the workpiece (11), and/or an acceleration device (17) which can move in the conveyor direction (F) of the workpiece (11) and is designed to accelerate the conveyor movement of the workpiece (11) for discharging the workpiece out of the work area in that the acceleration device (17) rests against a rear edge (19) of the workpiece (11), and a machining device (20) for machining workpieces. The invention also relates to a method for positioning workpieces (11) in a work area of a machining device (20).