Cutting Machine Extractable Lateral Support for Panel Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting machines for panels require a large number of grippers and pushers to accommodate varying panel dimensions, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for a wide lateral carriage to prevent panel rotation during cutting.

Innovation Solution

A cutting machine equipped with an extractable lateral support that can be transversely moved to stabilize panels of different widths, allowing the machine to operate efficiently on both small and large panels without the need for extensive gripper systems, by using a movable lateral support integrated with the second system's grippers or as a separate component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of grippers and pushers are used to accommodate varying panel dimensions, then the machine can handle different panel sizes, but the cost and complexity of the machine increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle different panel sizesVSAvoidnumber of grippers and pushers
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral support is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be extracted or retracted based on the panel width being processed. This dynamic adjustment enables a single support structure to accommodate varying panel dimensions without requiring multiple fixed support positions, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The extractable lateral support serves multiple functions: it provides lateral stabilization for narrow panels, can be retracted for wide panels, and integrates with the gripper system. This multi-functional design allows a single component to handle various panel sizes and configurations, reducing the total number of components needed

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If a wide lateral carriage is used to prevent panel rotation during cutting, then panel stability is improved, but the machine cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel stability during cuttingVSAvoidlateral carriage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral support is extracted as a separate, movable component from the main carriage structure. It can be pulled out when needed to provide stabilization and retracted when not needed, allowing the carriage to maintain a more compact and simpler structure while still providing panel stability during cutting operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral support transitions from a static, fixed-position element to a dynamic, movable component that can be positioned only when required. This reduces the permanent structural complexity of the carriage while maintaining panel stability during the actual cutting process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2111939B1Cutting machine
Publication Date: 2013.07.03 NALDI VALTER
  • EP2111939B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2111939B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2111939B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A cutting machine (10) for cutting packs of panels. The cutting machine (10) has a cutting line ((LT)), and two independent systems ((S1), (S2)) that share the same cutting line ((LT)). A first carriage (60) of the second system ((S2)) is supported on a beam (12) shared by the first system ((S1)). A second carriage (70), which slides with respect to the first carriage (60), is fitted with grippers (80, 81); and an extractable lateral support (82) which, when extracted, provides additional support for the pack of panels ((P2)) as it is pushed into position.