Automatic Cutting Device for Graphic Substrates with Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for cutting and finishing graphic substrates on two perpendicular axes simultaneously are limited by the inability to automatically correct skiddings and parallelism defects, especially in large formats, requiring manual interventions and being restricted to cutting sizes up to 157 cm without perfect perpendicularity.
Innovation Solution
An automatic cutting device with optical sensors and motors that detect substrate deviations, allowing for simultaneous cutting on both axes with automatic correction of skiddings and parallelism errors, using a movable cutting unit and rotating blades driven by microprocessors to maintain perpendicularity and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual rotation and reintroduction of the sheet is required to obtain perfect cut along all four sides, then cutting precision is improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate cutting operations (first cut along one axis, then manual rotation and second cut along perpendicular axis) into a single automated operation. The cutting device executes both cuts continuously without manual intervention by coordinating the movement of the cutting head and the substrate feed mechanism, thereby eliminating the need for manual rotation while maintaining cutting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of rotating and reintroducing the sheet with an automated control system. The microprocessor-controlled mechanism automatically adjusts the substrate feed direction and coordinates the cutting head movement to perform sequential cuts along perpendicular axes, substituting human manual manipulation with automated mechanical control.
2Productivity
If automatic cutting device is used for large formats, then productivity is improved, but cutting precision deteriorates due to inability to correct skiddings and parallelism defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of substrate defects (skiddings, parallelism errors) using optical sensors before the cutting operation begins. The system measures the actual position and orientation of the substrate edges and pre-calculates the correction parameters, which are then used to adjust the cutting path during automatic operation, thereby maintaining precision despite large format dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates optical sensors that continuously detect the actual position of the substrate during feeding and cutting operations. The detected information about skiddings and parallelism defects is fed back to the control system, which automatically adjusts the cutting head trajectory and substrate feed rate in real-time to compensate for detected deviations, thereby maintaining cutting precision during automatic high-productivity operation.
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
Enables precise, automatic cutting and finishing of substrates on both perpendicular axes without manual intervention, accommodating larger formats by correcting skiddings and parallelism defects, ensuring accurate cutting and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of optical sensors 3, 3' detects a mark provided between two subsequent images printed on substrate 10
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
A device for cutting paper and other graphic substrates (10) in roll on two perpendicular axes simultaneously with automatic errors correction, both in the feeding with respect to a direction (F) along the longitudinal axis (Y) of the substrate, and of the deviation of the image with respect to the edge of the substrate itself. For this purpose a motor (5) is provided at the horizontal cutting unit (4), in addition to a drive motor (6), suitable for shifting the cutting path in order to make it coincide with the correct cutting line (Tx). In the same way, for the longitudinal cutting assembly (14) along the (Y) axis, in addition to a motor (7) for performing the cut, a motor (8) is provided suitable for translating along the (X) axis the whole cutting assembly on the basis of lateral deviations detected by means of an optic cell (9), whose signals are processed by a microprocessor for the drive of said motor (8).