Cutting Machine Movable Channels for Variable Log Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines for rolls of sheet material lack versatility, as they are limited to cutting logs of specific diameters due to fixed cutting channels and blade paths, making it impractical to process rolls of varying sizes without replacing the machine or using multiple machines.
Innovation Solution
A cutting machine with a movable bench and actuation system allowing the cutting blade to follow a virtually elliptical path, enabling it to accommodate logs of different diameters by translating the channels within a Cartesian coordinate system, ensuring the log diameter falls within the cutting area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed cutting channels with limited dimensions are used, then the cutting machine can process logs of specific diameter, but it cannot process logs of various diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting channel is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one along the X-axis. The channel can be positioned at different locations to accommodate logs of varying diameters, enabling a single machine to process multiple sizes without structural replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting machine is designed with universal capability to process logs of different diameters through the movable channel mechanism. The same cutting blade and channel structure serve multiple functions across different log size ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cutting channels are provided in parallel, then logs of different diameters can be processed, but the cost and complexity of having multiple machines increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple fixed channels simultaneously, the invention uses a single channel that moves dynamically to different positions. This replaces the need for multiple parallel channels with one adaptable channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing capability is segmented into different positional configurations rather than requiring simultaneous multiple channels. The channel moves to different segments of space depending on the log diameter being processed.
3Area of stationary object
If the cutting blade follows a fixed circular or elliptical path, then the cutting operation is stable, but the cutting area is limited and cannot accommodate larger logs
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting blade mechanism maintains its stable circular or elliptical motion pattern, while the entire channel assembly moves dynamically along the X-axis. This separates the stability function (blade motion) from the adaptability function (channel position).
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds movement along the X-axis dimension to the traditional cutting setup. While the blade follows its fixed path in the Y-Z plane, the channel moves in the X-dimension, effectively expanding the cutting area without compromising blade motion stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Cutting machine for cutting rolls of sheet material from sticks or logs (22, 22a, 24) moving forwards in parallel channels (20, 20a) in a horizontal direction (Z), comprising at least one cutting blade (10) driven by actuating means (12) able to impart to said cutting blade (10) a path (14) defining a cutting area (14') contained in a plane (XY) perpendicular to the direction (Z) of forward movement of the logs, the axes X, Y and Z forming a Cartesian coordinate system, with the axis X horizontal, wherein said parallel channels (20, 20a) have different dimensions and are mounted movable in said direction (X) so as to cause the diameter of the logs to fall within said cutting path (14).