Machining Workstation with Independent Auxiliary Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for machining stone or marble require separate machines for cutting and milling operations, leading to inefficiencies due to the need to transfer semi-finished plates between machines, which increases capital investment, time, and space requirements, and results in underutilization of equipment.
Innovation Solution
A numeric-control workstation that integrates cutting and milling capabilities, featuring an independent auxiliary working surface that can be positioned vertically or horizontally, allowing for both cutting and milling operations without plate transfer, and includes a water-jet machining head for enhanced versatility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate machines are used for cutting and milling operations, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but capital investment, space requirements, and transfer time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cutting and milling operations into a single workstation by integrating a bridge-type miller structure with a workstation. The overhead cross member, carriage, and operating head can perform both cutting (with disk blade) and milling/grinding operations, eliminating the need for separate machines and plate transfers between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating head is designed with universal capability to perform multiple functions. It can couple a rotary tool for finishing operations or a disk blade for cutting operations, allowing a single machine to handle both cutting and milling/grinding tasks that previously required separate specialized machines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If plates are transferred between separate machines, then each machine can operate independently, but transfer time and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation merges cutting and milling operations into one integrated system. The plate remains on the same workstation throughout both operations, eliminating the transfer step between separate machines and the associated time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple machines are installed, then operational flexibility is maintained, but space requirements and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the functionality of multiple machines (bridge-type miller and workstation) into a single integrated workstation, significantly reducing the installation space required while maintaining operational flexibility through the multi-functional operating head.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating head provides universal functionality for both cutting and milling/grinding operations, allowing one machine to replace multiple specialized machines and reduce overall space requirements.
4Productivity
If dedicated cutting machine is used, then cutting operations are efficient, but the machine has dead time when not used for cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The operating head is designed to perform both cutting operations (with disk blade) and milling/grinding operations (with rotary tool). This multi-functionality ensures the machine remains productive during periods when dedicated cutting machines would be idle, as it can switch between operations without requiring separate equipment.
5Productivity
If a single machine performs both cutting and milling, then space and transfer time are reduced, but machine complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating head achieves multi-functionality through a modular design that can couple different tools (rotary tool for milling/grinding, disk blade for cutting). This approach adds functionality without significantly increasing overall machine structural complexity, as the basic bridge-type miller framework remains unchanged.
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 workstation enables efficient, versatile, and cost-effective machining of stone or marble by combining cutting and milling operations in a single setup, reducing space requirements and eliminating the need for plate transfer, while integrating water-jet machining for added flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
cutting operations using a jet of water and abrasive at extremely high pressure
Implementation Method 2
cutting operations using a jet of water and abrasive at extremely high pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A workstation (1) for machining plates (L) of stone, marble, synthetic material, or the like, comprises a bench (2), defining a main working surface (3) that can be equipped with supports for receiving and blocking the plates (L) to be machined in a raised position with respect to the main working surface (3). The workstation comprises at least one operating head (8), which is carried by the aforesaid carriage (6) and mobile with respect to the latter in a vertical direction Z and is equipped with means for coupling a rotary tool for carrying out finishing operations on the edge of a plate (L) to be machined or for coupling a disk blade thereto (10) for carrying out cutting operations on the aforesaid plate (L). The workstation further comprises an auxiliary working surface, of a sacrificial type (12), to be used during the operations of cutting of the plate (L), which can be displaced in a guided way in said direction Y, between a first position, in which overlies the main working surface (3), and a second position, in which it is set horizontally spaced from the main working surface (3). The auxiliary working surface (12) is defined by a structure independent of the bench (2) and of the main working surface (3), and in the aforesaid first position the auxiliary working surface (12) is in a position set vertically at a distance above the main working surface (3) and is not supported by the latter. Preferably, the workstation (1) further comprises a water-jet machining head (9), i.e., one that uses a jet of water at extremely high pressure.