Ceiling-Based Suction Design for 3D Laser Cutter Dust Collection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Three-dimensional laser cutters face challenges in dust collection due to the varied shapes of workpieces, making it difficult to implement an effective dust collection mechanism under the cutting table, unlike two-dimensional cutters which can use a dust collection mechanism underneath.

Innovation Solution

A machining room design featuring a ceiling with suction ports and plate-like members below, creating a space for airflow to collect and remove dust generated during laser cutting, with multiple suction ports and plate-like members to ensure uniform airflow and efficient dust collection, even for irregularly shaped cutting areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a dust collection mechanism is provided under the workpiece as with two-dimensional laser cutters, then dust collection efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to implement with three-dimensional workpieces of various shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust collection efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to various workpiece shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the dust collection mechanism under the workpiece (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by placing the suction port on the ceiling above the workpiece. This allows dust to be collected from the top rather than requiring access from underneath, making it compatible with three-dimensional workpieces of various shapes that cannot accommodate under-table collection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a ceiling with suction port and plate-like member is used, then dust removal efficiency is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust removal efficiencyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dust collection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the ceiling with suction ports, the plate-like members that create airflow channels, and the space between them that serves as the dust collection pathway. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ceiling serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural upper boundary of the machining room, provides the suction ports for dust collection, and supports the plate-like members that create airflow channels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple suction ports and plate-like members are used to ensure uniform airflow, then dust collection uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust collection uniformityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plate-like members are positioned asymmetrically or at different heights to create varied airflow paths that adapt to the specific geometry of the workpiece and machining area. This asymmetric arrangement ensures uniform dust collection across different regions without requiring a symmetric array of components, thereby reducing the total number of parts needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This design allows for simple and efficient dust removal from three-dimensional laser cutting operations without the need for heavy hoods, ensuring minimal dust remains and preventing laser light leakage, while maintaining effective airflow for uniform dust collection.

Implementation Method 1

when the suction device is operated, an airflow toward the suction port is produced in the space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the smoke-like dust generated by the laser cutting rises and reaches the plate-like member, spreads out in all directions due to its buoyancy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS11331750B2Machining room
Publication Date: 2022.05.17 KOMATSU SANKI
  • US11331750B2 patent drawing
  • US11331750B2 patent drawing
  • US11331750B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A three-dimensional laser cutter can be disposed in a machining room. The machining room includes a ceiling and a plate member. The ceiling is provided with a suction port connected to a suction device. The plate member is disposed below the ceiling with a gap therebetween. The plate member forms a space with the ceiling.