Partial Workpiece Processing with Self-Positioning Stops

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for machining workpieces are inefficient and time-consuming, requiring multiple handling steps and intermediate storage of partially machined pieces.

Innovation Solution

A method where the first partial workpiece serves as a stop for precise positioning of the second partial workpiece during machining, allowing immediate processing without the need for reinsertion into a positioning device, and enabling flexible machining operations such as division, grooves, and bores.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the second partial workpiece is reinserted into the positioning device for machining, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the processing time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The first partial workpiece is used in advance as a positioning stop for the second partial workpiece during machining operations. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for repeated reinsertion into the positioning device, as the first partial workpiece already provides the necessary positioning reference when held by the positioning device. The straight edge created during the first cut serves as a pre-prepared positioning surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The first partial workpiece serves itself dual purposes: it is both a machined product and a positioning tool for machining the second partial workpiece. By using the first partial workpiece's own straight edge as the positioning stop, the system eliminates the need for external positioning interventions, allowing the workpiece itself to facilitate its own subsequent machining operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple handling steps and intermediate storage are used, then workpieces can be processed in batches, but the total processing time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebatch processing capabilityVSAvoidtotal processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The method enables continuous processing by eliminating idle time between machining operations. While the positioning device holds the first partial workpiece, the second partial workpiece can be immediately positioned against it and machined without waiting for the positioning device to become available. This continuous workflow removes the need for intermediate storage and batch handling, maintaining uninterrupted productive action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning function and machining function are merged into a single operational state. The positioning device simultaneously serves as both a holder for the first partial workpiece and a positioning mechanism for the second partial workpiece through the use of the first partial workpiece as a stop. This merging eliminates the need for separate handling and storage steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the positioning device is released after the first cut to allow second partial workpiece machining, then the positioning device becomes available for other tasks, but the second partial workpiece cannot be precisely positioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice utilizationVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first partial workpiece acts as an intermediary between the positioning device and the second partial workpiece. It transfers the positioning function from the positioning device to itself, allowing the positioning device to be released while maintaining precise positioning capability through the first partial workpiece's straight edge that serves as a positioning stop.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3684572B1Method of processing workpieces, computer programm product and processing facilities

Publication Date: 2025.07.16 HOMAG PLATTENAUFTEILTECHNIK GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for processing workpieces, wherein, in a first method step, a workpiece is divided into a first partial workpiece and into at least one second partial workpiece, and in a second method step, the second partial workpiece is processed, characterised in that, in the second method step, the first partial workpiece created in the first method step is positioned for the processing of the second partial workpiece in the second method step, such that the first partial workpiece functions as a stop for the positioning of the second partial workpiece in the second method step.