Stiffness optimization method for feeding sliding seat of laser pipe cutting machine based on simulation

Abstract

The invention discloses a rigidity optimization method for a feeding sliding seat of a laser pipe cutting machine based on simulation, and relates to the technical field of laser pipe cutting machines. The method comprises the steps that a, a parameterized finite element model of the feeding sliding seat of the laser pipe cutting machine is established, the parameterized finite element model comprises key structure components of the feeding sliding seat, and key structure sizes are defined as design variable parameters, and b, the load working condition borne by the feeding sliding seat in actual work is defined in the parameterized finite element model. According to the method, the parameterized finite element model is established, the actual load working condition is defined, statics structure analysis and modal analysis are carried out, the static rigidity weak area and the dynamic rigidity weak area of the feeding sliding seat are accurately recognized, the structural design is specifically optimized based on the simulation result, for example, rib plates are added or a supporting mode is improved, and the stability of the feeding sliding seat is improved. And the overall rigidity is gradually improved through an iterative verification process, so that the deformation of the feeding sliding seat is controlled when the feeding sliding seat bears the pipe weight and the driving force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of laser tube cutting machine technology, and in particular relates to a method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation. Background Technology

[0002] The feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine is a key component used to transport and position the tube. Its core function is to deliver the tube to the cutting position through precise linear or curved motion, ensuring cutting accuracy and efficiency.

[0003] The feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine typically includes a base, a guide rail, a slider, a drive motor, and a transmission mechanism. The guide rail is fixed on the base, and the slider engages with the guide rail via ball bearings or a sliding mechanism. The drive motor drives the slider to move along the guide rail through a transmission mechanism such as a lead screw or belt, thereby feeding the tube.

[0004] This type of feeding slide is prone to insufficient rigidity during operation. When the overall structure of the slide bears the weight of the tube and various forces generated by the drive mechanism, it will undergo slight elastic deformation. This deformation may not be obvious when the slide is stationary or running at low speed, but when feeding at high speed or processing heavy tubes, it will cause vibration and continuous deformation shaking of the slide. This unstable state will be directly transmitted to the tube being processed, causing the tube to undergo slight displacement or vibration at the moment of cutting. This will cause a deviation between the cutting beam and the predetermined cut, resulting in quality defects such as roughness, bevels or burrs on the cut surface, affecting the appearance and assembly accuracy of the finished product. In severe cases, it may even lead to the scrapping of the tube, increasing material waste and defect rate in the production process. At the same time, in order to avoid this loss of accuracy caused by vibration, operators are often forced to reduce the feeding speed, which directly limits the processing efficiency of the laser tube cutting machine and cannot fully realize its high-speed cutting performance potential.

[0005] To address this issue, we propose a simulation-based method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutter. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation. By combining simulation-driven static and dynamic coupling analysis with parameterized iterative optimization, the method solves the problem in the prior art where insufficient stiffness of the feeding slide leads to excessive static deformation and dynamic vibration, which in turn affects cutting accuracy and processing efficiency.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution.

[0008] This invention relates to a method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation, comprising the following steps: Step a: Establish a parametric finite element model of the feeding slide of the laser tube cutting machine. The parametric finite element model includes the key structural components of the feeding slide, and the key structural dimensions are defined as design variable parameters. Step b: Define the load conditions that the feeding slide will bear in actual operation in the parametric finite element model; Step c: Based on the parametric finite element model and load conditions, perform static structural analysis, obtain the static deformation cloud map of the feeding slide under load, and identify the static stiffness weak area based on the static deformation cloud map. Step d: Based on the parametric finite element model, perform modal analysis to obtain the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the feeding slide, and identify the weak dynamic stiffness areas based on the natural frequencies and mode shapes; Step e: Based on the static stiffness weak areas and dynamic stiffness weak areas identified in steps c and d, perform structural optimization design of the feeding slide; Step f: Update the structural optimization design in step e into the parametric finite element model, and re-execute the analysis in steps c and d. Iterate through steps e and f until the stiffness performance of the feeding slide meets the preset requirements.

[0009] Parametric modeling transforms the physical structure into a quantifiable and modifiable digital model, laying a precise and repeatable foundation for subsequent systematic simulation and optimization. This achieves efficient linkage between design intent and simulation verification. By accurately defining complex loads in actual operation, the simulation environment maximizes the simulation of real-world conditions, ensuring the accuracy and engineering guidance value of subsequent static and modal analysis results. It avoids optimization deviations caused by load simplification. Static analysis transforms the abstract problem of "insufficient stiffness" into a visualized and quantitative deformation cloud map, enabling intuitive and precise location of the region with the greatest deformation under maximum working load. This provides clear data for subsequent targeted structural strengthening. Modal analysis reveals the inherent dynamic characteristics of the structure. The system's dynamic characteristics can identify vulnerable vibration modes and their locations prone to resonance during equipment operation, thus mitigating resonance risks during the design phase. This provides crucial insights for addressing vibration issues during high-speed operation. Optimization design, combining static and modal analysis results, ensures that structural improvements consider both static load-bearing capacity and dynamic stability, avoiding the limitations of single-dimensional optimization. By rapidly feeding the optimized solution back to the parametric model and resimulating it, immediate and low-cost verification of the design change's effects is achieved, improving development efficiency. Through multiple iterative optimizations, the overall stiffness performance of the slide can be systematically and progressively improved, ensuring the final design achieves an optimal balance between lightweight and high stiffness, thus stably meeting the requirements of high-speed, heavy-load operation. The invention is further configured such that the key structural components include a base, a guide rail mounting surface, a slider connection, a drive motor base, and a transmission mechanism mounting point; the parametric finite element model is established in computer-aided engineering software based on the initial three-dimensional design model of the feeding slide, ensuring that the model accurately reflects the actual structure. By clearly defining all key load-bearing and force-transmitting components and ensuring the accuracy of the model, the simulation analysis is guaranteed to fully capture the stiffness performance along the entire force flow path, avoiding the omission of key weak links due to improper model simplification, and making the optimization work more global and systematic.

[0010] The invention further specifies that the design variable parameters include the thickness of the stiffening plate, the height of the supporting wall, and the size of the mounting boss; these parameters can be freely modified to adjust the structural stiffness during the optimization process, and rapid model updates are achieved through parameterization. By setting the core dimensions that directly affect stiffness as variables, the structural optimization process becomes highly flexible and efficient, allowing designers to quickly explore multiple improvement schemes and evaluate their effects, greatly shortening the design cycle and promoting the discovery of the optimal solution.

[0011] The present invention is further configured such that the load conditions include the gravity of the pipe, the driving force and reaction force of the drive motor, and the inertial force and impact force generated during the cutting process. The definition of the load conditions is based on actual working conditions to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the simulation analysis. By comprehensively considering various loads such as gravity, driving force, inertial force and impact force, the boundary conditions of the simulation analysis are closer to the actual operating state of the equipment, thereby making the identified stiffness weak areas and optimization directions more meaningful in engineering practice and improving the reliability of the optimization results.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that static structural analysis is used to evaluate the static deformation of the feeding slide under the maximum working load, and the static deformation cloud map intuitively displays the area with the largest deformation, thereby locating the weak link in stiffness; static analysis focuses on elastic deformation under stress, providing data support for structural optimization, and using the visualization results of deformation cloud map, the complex structural mechanical behavior is transformed into an intuitive image, enabling engineers to quickly and accurately understand the stiffness distribution without a deep theoretical background, greatly reducing the threshold for diagnosing stiffness problems and improving decision-making efficiency.

[0013] The present invention is further configured such that modal analysis is used to calculate the natural frequency and corresponding mode shape of the feeding slide structure to identify key modes that are prone to resonance during dynamic operation; the modal analysis results help avoid coinciding with the main excitation frequency, thereby reducing vibration and deformation jitter. By predicting and avoiding resonance risks through modal analysis, the reduction of cutting accuracy and surface quality defects caused by vibration are suppressed from the root, and the dynamic stability and processing reliability of the equipment under high-speed operation are improved.

[0014] The present invention is further configured such that the structural optimization design includes adding cross stiffeners to areas with weak static stiffness and changing the open structure to a closed box-type structure, and strengthening the connection stiffness between the guide rail mounting base and the main structure to areas with weak dynamic stiffness. The optimization design is based on simulation cloud map guidance for precise reinforcement, avoiding blindly adding materials. By proposing specific and targeted reinforcement measures and strictly applying them according to the simulation cloud map, the weight increase and cost increase caused by blindly adding materials in traditional design are effectively avoided, and the synergistic optimization of structural performance and lightweighting is achieved.

[0015] The present invention is further configured such that the iterative execution of steps e and f includes multiple analysis, optimization and verification cycles. The optimization effect is verified by comparing the maximum deformation, stiffness distribution and natural frequency changes of the slide before and after optimization. The iterative process continues until the comprehensive stiffness performance of the slide meets the stable operation requirements under high-speed and heavy-load conditions. By establishing quantitative comparison indicators and a closed-loop iterative process, the optimization process is ensured to be data-driven and result-oriented, and the effect of each design change can be scientifically and objectively evaluated, thereby steadily and reliably approaching the optimal design goal.

[0016] The present invention is further configured such that the preset requirements include the maximum deformation of the feeding slide being within the allowable range and the natural frequency avoiding the main excitation frequency to avoid resonance; the preset requirements are set based on actual processing needs to ensure cutting accuracy and equipment efficiency. By setting clear acceptance criteria that are directly related to the final processing performance, the optimization process has a clear termination goal, ensuring that the final delivered design scheme is not only theoretically excellent, but also can effectively meet the hard requirements of high-precision and high-efficiency cutting in practical applications.

[0017] The present invention is further configured to achieve precise optimization of the feeding slide structure through simulation, achieving a balance between lightweight and high rigidity. By replacing empirical guesswork with scientific simulation, precise optimization is achieved, ultimately achieving multiple goals of improving equipment performance, ensuring processing quality, and controlling manufacturing costs.

[0018] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention establishes a parametric finite element model and defines actual load conditions to perform static structural analysis and modal analysis. It accurately identifies the static and dynamic stiffness weak areas of the feeding slide and optimizes the structural design based on simulation results, such as adding stiffeners or improving the support form. Through iterative verification, the overall stiffness is gradually improved, so that the deformation of the feeding slide can be controlled when bearing the weight of the pipe and the driving force, reducing vibration and continuous shaking during operation. This avoids the deviation between the cutting beam and the predetermined cut, improves the quality of the cutting section, eliminates defects such as roughness, bevels or burrs, and reduces the scrap rate of pipes and material loss.

[0019] 2. This invention achieves a balance between lightweight and high rigidity of the feeding slide through simulation-driven structural optimization methods and multiple analysis, optimization, and verification cycles. This allows the optimized slide to maintain stable operation during high-speed feeding or processing of heavy pipes, reducing accuracy loss due to vibration. It also allows operators to maintain a high feeding speed without sacrificing cutting quality, fully leveraging the performance potential of the laser tube cutter, improving processing efficiency, reducing defective products, saving production costs, and ensuring that the aesthetics and assembly accuracy of the finished product meet requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation. Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the process of establishing a parametric finite element model in a method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the load condition process in a simulation-based method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the static and modal analysis process in a simulation-based method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structural optimization and iterative process in a simulation-based method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0023] Example 1 Please see Figures 1-5 This invention relates to a method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation, the process of which is as follows: First, a parametric finite element model is established in computer-aided engineering software based on the initial three-dimensional design model of the feeding slide of the laser tube cutting machine. This model includes key structural components of the feeding slide, such as the base, guide rail mounting surface, slider connection, drive motor base, and transmission mechanism mounting point. Key structural dimensions, such as the thickness of the stiffeners, the height of the support wall, and the dimensions of the mounting boss, are defined as design variable parameters for flexible adjustment during the optimization process.

[0024] In the parametric finite element model, the load conditions that the feeding slide bears in actual operation are defined, including the gravity of the pipe, the driving force and reaction force of the drive motor, and the inertial force and impact force generated during the cutting process, to ensure that the simulation analysis truly reflects the operating conditions of the equipment.

[0025] Based on the parametric finite element model and load conditions, static structural analysis is performed to obtain the static deformation contour map of the feeding slide under load. The deformation contour map visually displays the area with the largest deformation, thereby accurately locating the weak link in static stiffness.

[0026] Simultaneously, based on the same parametric finite element model, modal analysis is performed to calculate the natural frequency and corresponding mode shape of the feeding slide structure, identify the key modes that are prone to resonance during dynamic operation, and thus determine the weak areas of dynamic stiffness.

[0027] Based on the static and dynamic stiffness weakness areas identified through static and modal analysis, the structure of the feeding slide was optimized. Optimization measures included adding cross stiffeners to areas of static stiffness weakness, changing the open structure to a closed box-type structure, and strengthening the connection stiffness between the guide rail mounting base and the main structure to address dynamic stiffness weakness areas. This ensured that the optimized design was accurately implemented based on simulation results, avoiding the blind addition of materials.

[0028] The optimized structural design was updated in the parametric finite element model, and static structural analysis and modal analysis were re-executed. Through multiple cycles of analysis, optimization, and verification, the design was iteratively adjusted. During the iteration process, the maximum deformation, stiffness distribution, and natural frequency changes of the slide before and after optimization were compared to verify the optimization effect. This continued until the stiffness performance of the feeding slide met the preset requirements, including that the maximum deformation was within the allowable range and the natural frequency avoided the main excitation frequency to prevent resonance, thereby ensuring cutting accuracy and equipment efficiency.

[0029] Through the above simulation-driven optimization process, a balance is achieved between lightweight and high rigidity in the feeding slide structure, thereby improving the stable operation of the equipment under high-speed and heavy-load conditions.

[0030] Example 2 Please see Figures 1-4 Based on Specific Embodiment 1, in industrial scenarios involving the processing of large and heavy pipes, this method establishes a parametric model of the feeding slide, focusing on setting the dimensions of the base structure and main load-bearing stiffeners as design variables, and accurately simulating the composite load composed of the pipe weight and cutting impact. Static analysis clearly shows that there is significant deformation concentration in the central region of the base, while modal analysis reveals that the structure exhibits an overall vibration mode in the low-frequency range similar to the equipment's operating frequency. In response to these findings, a dense network of cross stiffeners is added inside the base, and the original single-layer wall panel structure is transformed into a multi-layer box-type support. After several iterations of optimization, the overall deformation of the slide under heavy loads is reduced, and the natural frequency successfully avoids the main excitation range, enabling the equipment to maintain a stable structural form and effectively suppress operational vibration when processing large pipes.

[0031] Example 3 Please see Figures 2-4Based on Specific Embodiment 1, this method focuses on analyzing the dynamic performance of the slide under frequent start-stop and high-speed motion conditions, specifically for thin-walled tube processing environments requiring high-speed precision cutting. A parametric model is used to refine the modeling of the guide rail mounting surface and transmission connection parts, with particular consideration given to the inertial impact generated by high-speed motion under load conditions. Simulation results show local stiffness deficiencies at the transmission mechanism connection points, and modal analysis identifies specific high-frequency vibration risks. The optimized design incorporates local reinforcing ribs and continuous support structures in key areas, and adjusts the dynamic characteristics by changing the material distribution. After multiple rounds of improvements, the vibration amplitude of the slide during high-speed operation is significantly reduced, and the dynamic stability is comprehensively improved, effectively ensuring the precision cutting quality of thin-walled tubes.

[0032] Example 4 Please see Figures 1-5 Based on Specific Embodiment 1, in compact equipment with strictly limited installation space, this method focuses on optimizing the overall layout and support structure configuration of the slide through parametric modeling, seeking the optimal balance between stiffness and weight within a limited space. Static analysis shows that the structure has uneven deformation under eccentric loading conditions, while modal analysis detects specific vibration modes caused by spatial constraints. Innovatively, an asymmetric stiffener design and a spatial three-dimensional support scheme are adopted to implement targeted reinforcement in key parts without increasing external dimensions. After a series of optimization iterations, the slide achieves good static support capacity and dynamic stability in a narrow installation space, meeting both space constraints and ensuring the operating accuracy of the equipment under complex working conditions.

[0033] The preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention.

Claims

1. A method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Step a: Establish a parametric finite element model of the feeding slide of the laser tube cutting machine. The parametric finite element model includes the key structural components of the feeding slide, and the key structural dimensions are defined as design variable parameters. Step b: Define the load conditions that the feeding slide will bear in actual operation in the parametric finite element model; Step c: Based on the parametric finite element model and load conditions, perform static structural analysis, obtain the static deformation cloud map of the feeding slide under load, and identify the static stiffness weak area based on the static deformation cloud map. Step d: Based on the parametric finite element model, perform modal analysis to obtain the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the feeding slide, and identify the weak dynamic stiffness areas based on the natural frequencies and mode shapes; Step e: Based on the static stiffness weak areas and dynamic stiffness weak areas identified in steps c and d, perform structural optimization design of the feeding slide; Step f: Update the structural optimization design in step e into the parameterized finite element model, and re-execute the analysis in steps c and d. Iterate through steps e and f until the stiffness performance of the feeding slide meets the preset requirements.

2. The method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation, as described in claim 1, is characterized in that: The key structural components include a base, a guide rail mounting surface, a slider connection, a drive motor base, and a transmission mechanism mounting point; the parametric finite element model is established in computer-aided engineering software based on the initial three-dimensional design model of the feeding slide, ensuring that the model accurately reflects the actual structure.

3. The method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation, as described in claim 1, is characterized in that: The design variable parameters include the thickness of the stiffening plate, the height of the supporting wall, and the size of the mounting boss; these parameters can be freely modified to adjust the structural stiffness during the optimization process and to achieve rapid model updates through parameterization.

4. The method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation, as described in claim 1, is characterized in that: The load conditions include the weight of the pipe, the driving force and reaction force of the drive motor, and the inertial force and impact force generated during the cutting process. The definition of the load conditions is based on actual working conditions to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the simulation analysis.

5. The method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation, as described in claim 1, is characterized in that: The static structural analysis is used to evaluate the static deformation of the feeding slide under the maximum working load. The static deformation cloud map visually displays the area with the largest deformation, thereby locating the weakest link in stiffness. The static analysis focuses on the elastic deformation under stress, providing data support for structural optimization.

6. The method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation, as described in claim 1, is characterized in that: The modal analysis is used to calculate the natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes of the feeding slide structure to identify key modes that are prone to resonance during dynamic operation; the modal analysis results help avoid coinciding with the main excitation frequency, thereby reducing vibration and deformation jitter.

7. The method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation, as described in claim 1, is characterized in that: The structural optimization design includes adding cross stiffeners to areas with weak static stiffness and changing the open structure to a closed box-type structure, as well as strengthening the connection stiffness between the guide rail mounting base and the main structure to areas with weak dynamic stiffness. The optimization design is based on simulation cloud map guidance for precise reinforcement, avoiding blindly adding materials.

8. The method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation, as described in claim 1, is characterized in that: The iterative execution steps e and f include multiple analysis, optimization and verification cycles. The optimization effect is verified by comparing the maximum deformation, stiffness distribution and natural frequency changes of the slide before and after optimization. The iterative process continues until the overall stiffness performance of the slide meets the stable operation requirements under high speed and heavy load conditions.

9. The method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation, as described in claim 1, is characterized in that: The preset requirements include ensuring that the maximum deformation of the feeding slide is within the allowable range and that the natural frequency avoids the main excitation frequency to prevent resonance. The preset requirements are set based on actual processing needs to ensure cutting accuracy and equipment efficiency.

10. The method for optimizing the stiffness of the feeding slide of a laser tube cutting machine based on simulation, as described in claim 1, is characterized in that: The simulation-driven system enables precise optimization of the feeding slide structure, achieving a balance between lightweight and high rigidity.

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