Workpiece Transfer Clamping for Precise Machining Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing workpiece processing systems require highly precise and complex designs for accurate clamping and positioning, leading to increased costs and complexity, as loading and unloading cannot occur simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A system with adjustable counter-stops and clamping devices in the y-direction allows for precise alignment and clamping of workpieces without the need for high positional accuracy, enabling simultaneous loading and unloading, and utilizing a y-axis to eliminate the need for additional axes in the loading area, simplifying the design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple machines are used for different machining processes, then machining precision can be maintained for each process, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent machining machines (turning machine, boring machine, reaming machine, thread cutting machine) into a single integrated machining center. This merging allows the system to perform multiple machining operations sequentially on the same workpiece without requiring separate machines, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining machining precision through consistent positioning via the numerical control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The machining center is designed with universal functionality to perform various machining operations including turning, boring, reaming, and thread cutting. The system uses a single multi-functional device with interchangeable tools and a programmable numerical control system that can adapt to different machining requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized machines while maintaining the precision capabilities of each individual process.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple machines are used for different machining processes, then machining precision can be maintained, but the space occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining precisionVSAvoidspace occupied
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple machining functions into a single integrated center, the patent consolidates the space requirements of several separate machines into one compact unit. The machining center occupies significantly less floor space than multiple independent machines would require, while maintaining machining precision through the numerical control system's ability to accurately position and control each machining operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple machines are used for different machining processes, then each process can be optimized, but the number of tools to be changed increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess optimizationVSAvoidtool change time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated machining center combines multiple machining processes in a single device with a programmable numerical control system. The system can store and execute sequences of machining operations, allowing tools to be changed automatically or pre-positioned according to the programmed sequence. This eliminates the need for manual tool changes between separate machines and reduces the time lost during tool changes while maintaining process optimization through numerical control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple machines are used for different machining processes, then each machine can be specialized, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess specializationVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The machining center provides a universal platform that can perform multiple specialized machining operations through a single interface. The numerical control system simplifies operation by allowing the operator to program the entire sequence of operations once, and the system automatically executes the programmed steps. This reduces operation complexity compared to manually operating multiple separate machines while maintaining the capability to perform specialized machining processes.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4132756B1Device for machining of workpiece and method
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 MICHAEL WEINIG AG
  • EP4132756B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4132756B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4132756B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7

AI summary

The facility has a first tensioning device (5), which has a clamping device (5', 5'') and which is movable in the x-direction from a loading region into a machining region, and vice versa. The workpiece (1) fixed in the first tensioning device (5) is transferred to a second tensioning device (10), which is provided with at least one clamping device (12, 14). The second tensioning device (10) has at least one stop (18), which is movable in the y-direction, and the first tensioning device (5) has at least one counter-stop (15), which is movable in the y-direction, for the workpiece (1). The workpiece (1) is received and clamped in the loading region in the first tensioning device (5), without being accurately positioned. The workpiece (1) with the first tensioning device (5) and also the second tensioning device (10) are moved into a position opposite one another, the lower clamping jaws (5'', 14) or contact faces of the two tensioning devices (5, 10) being precisely oriented relative to one another in the height direction. The workpiece (1) is completely released by the first tensioning device (5) and is oriented or positioned by means of the stops (15, 18) arranged horizontally opposite one another. The workpiece (1) is then clamped in one of the two tensioning devices (5, 10) and machined.