Arc Cutting Jig With Pivoting Bridge for Large-Radius Cuts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines are limited in their ability to make large radius arc cuts due to the restricted size of the rotary table, which is typically determined by the distance between the spindle and the support, often no more than six to eight inches, making it costly to add computer control and motors for precise cuts.
Innovation Solution
A jig system that includes a base, a bridge, and a slide, where the bridge is pivotally mounted to the base and the slide is configured to move the bridge in a generally arcuate manner, allowing for cuts with larger radii than the conventional rotary table limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a rotary table is used to make arc cuts, then circular cuts or partially circular cuts can be made, but the radius is limited to the distance between the spindle and the support (no more than six to eight inches)
Solution Approach 1:
The jig is divided into separate functional components: a base that mounts to the machine table, a bridge that pivotally mounts to the base, and a workpiece holder that mounts to the bridge. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the system to achieve large radius arcs without requiring a complete redesign of the entire cutting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional rotary table rotation to a three-dimensional arcuate motion by allowing the bridge to pivot relative to the base while the workpiece holder can be positioned at various locations along the bridge. This dimensional change enables large radius arcs that extend beyond the limitations of the machine's standard rotary table.
2Manufacturing precision
If computer control and motors are added to the cutting machine for precise and optimal speeds, then precise and repeated cuts can be made, but the cost of the machine dramatically increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jig utilizes the cutting machine's existing motors and control systems to drive the arcuate motion through the slide mechanism. The operator manually positions the workpiece holder along the bridge, and the machine's own drive systems provide the motion, eliminating the need for separate motors and computer control systems dedicated to the jig operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The jig is designed to work with the cutting machine's existing capabilities, using the machine's table for mounting, the machine's motors for drive, and the machine's control systems for operation. This multi-functional approach allows the same machine to perform both conventional cutting and large radius arc cutting without requiring dedicated expensive additions.
3Length of moving object
If the bridge is made longer to increase the arc radius, then larger radius cuts can be made, but the bridge becomes more difficult to support and control
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is designed with varying structural properties along its length, being stronger and stiffer near the pivotal connection to the base, and gradually transitioning to a lighter construction toward the distal end. This local quality optimization provides the necessary support and stability where required while reducing unnecessary weight and complexity elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge is precisely aligned and secured to the base before the cutting operation begins, with the pivotal connection pre-adjusted to ensure proper geometry. The workpiece holder is also pre-positioned at the correct location along the bridge, eliminating the need for adjustments during the cutting process and maintaining stability throughout the operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A jig for adapting a cutting machine to cut a work piece along a radius. The jig includes a base for mounting the jig to the cutting machine. A bridge is pivotally mounted to the base. The bridge is further configured to receive the work piece. A slide is disposed beneath the bridge, where the slide is configured to selectively engage the bridge at a desired position along a length of the bridge. The slide mounts to the table at a variable position along a length of the table, and the slide is further configured to move the bridge relative to the base in a generally arcuate manner.