Angled-Slide Tube Support for Precise Laser Workpiece Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing machines for tubular workpieces face challenges in efficiently and accurately adjusting the supporting devices due to complex mechanisms requiring large construction space and non-linear adjustments, making it difficult to handle tubular workpieces of varying diameters.
Innovation Solution
A supporting device with guide elements on slides movable relative to a base carrier, oriented at an angle to each other, allows precise adjustment and alignment of tubular workpieces using threaded spindles and running rails, enabling flexible support for varying diameters and cross-sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If guide elements are adjusted using clamping screws to change position relative to base carrier, then adjustment is possible, but adjustment operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The guide elements are made dynamically adjustable through a drive mechanism that enables continuous position changes. The drive unit can move the guide elements along the guides in a controlled manner, allowing dynamic adaptation to different workpiece sizes without complex manual adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual clamping screw mechanism is replaced with an automated drive mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for complicated manual operations while maintaining the adaptability of the guide elements. The drive unit provides automated control over the position of guide elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If scissors-like guide levers are used with central hand wheel for adjustment, then distance adjustment is possible, but construction space becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent components: guides fixed on the base carrier, slides that move along the guides, and guide elements on the slides. This segmentation allows for a more compact arrangement compared to the scissors-like structure, reducing the overall construction space while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism utilizes linear motion along guides arranged at angles rather than rotational motion in a plane. By changing the dimension of motion from rotational (hand wheel) to linear (slides along guides), the construction space is reduced while achieving the same distance adjustment capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If central hand wheel rotation is used for adjustment, then distance change is possible, but linear relationship to tubular diameter change is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives information about the workpiece dimensions and automatically adjusts the position of guide elements accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures a linear relationship between the measured tubular diameter and the adjusted distance, eliminating the non-linearity introduced by manual hand wheel rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual rotational adjustment mechanism is replaced with an automated drive system controlled by a control unit. This substitution enables precise control over the position of guide elements, maintaining a linear relationship with the tubular diameter through automated calculation and adjustment based on workpiece measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
A supporting device for supporting a workpiece for processing in a laser processing machine includes a base carrier having a guide body for fastening the supporting device in the laser processing machine, and a guide device provided on the base carrier for guiding the workpiece. The guiding device includes at least two guide elements, which are adjustable in distance to one another and on which the workpiece rests. The guide device has two slides, which are movable relative to the base carrier. At least one of the at least two guide elements is provided on each slide. The two slides are movable in coupled fashion, along two guides that are arranged at an angle to each other and are provided on the base carrier.