Cutting Machine Laser Cut Preview for Programming Verification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting machines face risks of damaging the cutting tool and workpiece due to incorrect programming, leading to potential damage during cutting sequences.

Innovation Solution

A method that visualizes planned processing steps using a light emitting device, such as a laser beam, to simulate cuts on the workpiece, reducing manual intervention and allowing operators to verify programmed sequences before execution, thereby ensuring accurate positioning and reducing the risk of damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cutting machines execute programmed cutting sequences directly without simulation, then productivity is maintained, but the risk of damaging the cutting tool and workpiece increases due to incorrect programming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverisk of damage to cutting tool and workpieceVSAvoidprogramming time and operational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a simulation function that visualizes the cutting sequence before actual execution. The light emitting device projects the planned cutting paths onto the workpiece surface, allowing operators to verify programming correctness in advance and correct any errors before real cutting begins, thus preventing tool and workpiece damage while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a visual representation (optical copy) of the cutting sequence through light projection. The simulated cutting lines on the workpiece surface serve as a copy of the actual cutting paths, enabling verification without physical contact or material removal during the verification stage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If operators manually verify each cutting step, then cutting precision improves, but manual intervention time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting position accuracyVSAvoidmanual intervention time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies self-service by enabling automatic visualization of the cutting sequence through programmed light projection. Once the cutting program is input, the system automatically projects the cutting paths onto the workpiece without requiring manual measurement or verification by the operator, thus maintaining precision while minimizing manual intervention time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical verification methods with an optical system. Instead of operators physically measuring and marking cutting positions, a light emitting device automatically projects cutting paths onto the workpiece surface, substituting mechanical human intervention with automated optical indication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach significantly reduces the risk of tool and workpiece damage by enabling precise simulation and verification of cutting sequences, saving time during programming and ensuring accurate alignment and execution of cuts.

Implementation Method 1

A cutting machine for performing a cut-off has at least one light emitting device (30) for visualization of a cutting sequence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser beam emission: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3781343B1Method of indicating cuts to be carried out and cutting machines
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 STRUERS AS
  • EP3781343B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3781343B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3781343B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A method of indicating processing steps to be carried out on a workpiece mounted in processing machine, the method comprising a step of visualizing at the same time or sequentially a succession of individual planned processing steps to be applied to the workpiece, prior to execution of said processing steps and a processing machine comprising a processing unit, a moving table and a controller.