Workpiece Processing Line With Rotation for Multi-Side Finish Cuts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining devices for workpieces, particularly those made of wood or plastic, are complex and expensive due to the need for flexible format processing and handling of different sizes, which increases logistics and storage costs, and requires complex setups for efficient processing.

Innovation Solution

A device with a transport system, multiple processing stations, and a rotating mechanism that allows for sequential processing of workpiece sides, enabling finish cuts before further machining, reducing cycle time and storage needs by allowing for efficient material flow and minimizing the need for intermediate storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible format processing is implemented to handle workpieces of different sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible format processingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal processing system where a single processing device can handle workpieces of different formats and orientations. The device is designed to process workpieces in the direction of movement regardless of their size or which side is being processed, eliminating the need for multiple specialized machines and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining flexible format processing capability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic positioning and alignment mechanisms that can adapt to different workpiece formats in real-time. The system dynamically adjusts the processing parameters and workpiece orientation based on the specific format and requirements, allowing flexible processing without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If workpieces of different formats are processed sequentially, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to setup changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing of different formatsVSAvoidsetup times
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary alignment and positioning of workpieces before processing begins. The alignment device pre-positiones workpieces in the correct orientation and location, so that when processing different formats sequentially, minimal setup time is required. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustments during format changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The processing device is designed as a universal system that can accommodate different workpiece formats without requiring format-specific configurations. This universality allows seamless processing of different formats in sequence, minimizing setup time while maintaining adaptability

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

3Manufacturing precision

If finish cut is performed before further machining, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to additional processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefinish cut precisionVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the finish cut operation with subsequent machining operations into a single continuous processing sequence. The workpiece is processed on multiple sides in one pass through the device, combining what would traditionally be separate operations. This integration maintains high precision finish cuts while eliminating the need for additional setup and processing steps, thereby improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The processing device is segmented into multiple processing stations that can operate in sequence on different sides of the workpiece. Each station performs a specific function (format processing, alignment, machining), allowing the finish cut and subsequent machining to be performed in an optimized sequence without interrupting the overall production flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3505318B1Device for processing of workpieces
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP3505318B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3505318B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3505318B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for processing workpieces (2) comprising a transport device (3) for transporting the workpieces (2), a first processing device (4) for format processing of the circumferential sides of the workpiece (2), an alignment device (6) for aligning the workpiece (2) for further processing of one side (7) of the workpiece (2) in the direction of movement of the workpiece (2), a second processing device (5) for processing one side (7) of the workpiece (2) in the direction of movement of the workpiece, and a return device (8) by means of which the workpiece (2) can be rotated by a predefined angle and the workpiece (2) can be returned rotated to the alignment device (6) for processing one of the further sides (9) of the workpiece (2) in the direction of movement.