Cutting Blade and Board Replacement Using One Suction Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cutting apparatus requires manual replacement of boards used for maintenance and inspection, which is cumbersome and increases the size of the apparatus due to the need for separate installation of blade and board replacement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A cutting apparatus with a replacement apparatus that includes a holding part with suction capabilities to automatically replace both the cutting blade and boards, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing the apparatus' size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If separate blade replacement apparatus and board replacement apparatus are installed, then automated replacement of both cutting blade and board is achieved, but the size of the cutting apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blade replacement apparatus and board replacement apparatus into a single integrated replacement apparatus. The holding part is designed to hold both the cutting blade and board using suction, allowing one apparatus to perform both replacement functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate apparatuses, thereby reducing the overall size of the cutting apparatus while maintaining full automation capability for both blade and board replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding part is designed with universal functionality to hold both the cutting blade and the board through suction. By making the holding mechanism multi-functional, the apparatus can automatically replace both components without requiring separate specialized mechanisms, thus achieving automation while minimizing space requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If manual replacement of board is executed, then apparatus size is reduced, but replacement work becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the board replacement function into the existing blade replacement apparatus. The holding part can switch between holding the cutting blade and holding the board, allowing automated replacement of both components through a single apparatus. This eliminates the need for manual board replacement while keeping the apparatus compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated self-service replacement of both the cutting blade and board through the integrated apparatus. The holding part automatically grasps, positions, and releases both components without human intervention, making the replacement process effortless and time-efficient while maintaining a compact apparatus design.
3Device complexity
If holding mechanism holds both cutting blade and board under suction, then integration is achieved, but contact between board and blade suction pad must be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The holding part employs dynamic control of the suction mechanism to adaptively hold different components. When holding the cutting blade, the blade suction pad contacts the blade directly. When holding the board, the system dynamically adjusts so that the board support part protrudes to contact the board while the blade suction pad does not contact the board, preventing interference. This dynamic adjustment enables seamless switching between holding different components.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: the blade suction pad for holding the cutting blade and the board support part for holding the board. This segmentation allows independent control of each holding function, enabling the system to hold either component without interference while maintaining integration within a single apparatus.
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 automated replacement of cutting blades and boards, simplifying the replacement process and reducing the apparatus' size by integrating the holding mechanism for both components.
Implementation Method 1
a blade suction pad that gets contact with the cutting blade or a base for fixing the cutting blade and holds the cutting blade under suction
Implementation Method 2
The holding part includes a blade suction pad that gets contact with the cutting blade or a base for fixing the cutting blade and holds the cutting blade under suction and a board support part that protrudes to the outside of the holding part relative to a tip of the blade suction pad and supports the board. The board held under suction by the holding part is supported by the board support part
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a cutting apparatus that cuts a workpiece by a cutting blade. The cutting apparatus includes a chuck table that holds a board in which a groove is formed through cutting of the board by the cutting blade, a cutting unit having a spindle and a mount flange that is fixed to a tip part of the spindle and on which the cutting blade is mounted, and a replacement apparatus that replaces the cutting blade mounted on the mount flange with the cutting blade stored in a blade storing part and replaces the board placed on the chuck table with the board stored in a board storing part. The replacement apparatus includes a holding part that holds the cutting blade and the board under suction.