Cutting Machine Press Beam Weight Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cutting machines face challenges with the variable spring force characteristic during the cut indication function, which affects the safety and efficiency of the cutting process, particularly due to the changing spring force and the risk of the press beam falling under its own weight if the spring breaks.
Innovation Solution
The cutting machine employs an electric motor to control the movement of the press beam, allowing for balanced weight compensation using a counterweight arrangement, reducing the need for strong hydraulic means and enabling precise control during cut indication and cutting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring arrangement is used to compensate the weight of the press beam, then the press beam can be raised and lowered, but the spring force varies over the stroke making the total force variable and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring arrangement with a counterweight system consisting of a counterweight element and a force-generating element (hydraulic cylinder). The counterweight is positioned to create a moment that balances the press beam weight throughout the stroke, providing consistent force compensation rather than variable spring force.
2Force
If hydraulic means are used to lower the press beam, then strong pressing force is achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires strong hydraulic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the force-generating function into two separate components: a counterweight element that compensates for the press beam weight, and a force-generating element (hydraulic cylinder) that only needs to provide the additional pressing force. This segmentation allows the hydraulic system to be smaller and less complex while still achieving the required pressing force.
3Manufacturing precision
If the press beam is lowered manually for cut indication, then alignment is improved, but operator safety is compromised due to uncontrolled pressing force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that monitors the press beam position and automatically adjusts the hydraulic cylinder force. During cut indication mode, the system detects the mode and automatically limits the pressing force to a safe level, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining alignment precision.
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 ensures a consistent and safe cutting process by balancing the press beam's weight, reducing the required driving force and enhancing the cut indication function, while allowing for a smaller, more efficient electric motor and stronger hydraulic means for pressing forces, thus improving operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a counterweight arrangement (15) acting on the lever arrangement (14) against the weight of the press beam (4)
Implementation Method 2
the means for lowering the press beam (4) onto the material to comprise hydraulically acting means (12)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a cutting machine (1) for stacking sheet-shaped material, with a press bar (4) that can be lowered onto the material, wherein the press bar (4) is mounted vertically displaceably in a machine frame (2), and means (12, 13) are provided for lowering the press bar (4) onto the material, and a mechanism (15) acts on the press bar (4) which exerts a force on the press bar (4) in the opposite direction to the weight of the press bar (4). According to the invention, in such a cutting machine, the means (12, 13) for lowering the press bar comprise an electric motor (13), and the press bar (4) can also be moved into its fully raised position by means of the electric motor (13). In such a cutting machine, an alternative drive for the press bar is provided, in particular to enable the press bar to be raised and to perform a cutting indication function of the cutting machine.