Cutting Plotter Blade Path Control for Continuous Figure Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blade cutting plotters face inefficiencies in cutting time and quality due to the need for blade deceleration, acceleration, and angle adjustments, which result in ragged edges and increased processing time compared to laser cutting plotters.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling blade cutting plotters that involves pre-cuts and post-cuts before and after figures, adjusting the path between figures to maintain constant cutting speed, and adjusting the blade's position to avoid deceleration and acceleration during cutting, allowing the blade to move at a constant speed without stopping between cuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the blade is stopped and lifted up between cuts to avoid breaking and maintain cutting quality, then cutting quality is improved, but cutting time increases due to deceleration and acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is pre-lifted before reaching the figure to be cut, and pre-lowered before the cut starts, so that the blade is already in the correct position and state when needed, eliminating the need to stop and lift after each cut
Solution Approach 2:
The blade moves continuously along the cutting path without stopping between figures, maintaining constant speed and continuous cutting action, which eliminates time loss from acceleration and deceleration cycles
2Reliability
If the blade is lifted up and down between cuts to prevent breaking, then blade reliability is improved, but cutting speed decreases due to repeated stopping
Solution Approach 1:
The blade position is adjusted in advance before reaching each figure, so that the blade is already prepared for the next cut without needing to stop and lift, maintaining both reliability and speed
Solution Approach 2:
The blade height is dynamically adjusted along the cutting path based on the upcoming figures, allowing continuous motion while maintaining proper blade positioning for each cut
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the blade is decelerated to a standstill between cuts to allow lifting, then blade safety is improved, but cutting efficiency decreases due to extra time
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is lifted in advance before reaching the figure, not after the cut, so that the blade is already safe and positioned correctly when the cut is made, eliminating the need to stop
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting process continues without interruption as the blade moves at constant speed, with lifting and lowering occurring during non-cutting portions of the path
4Measurement precision
If the blade accelerates and decelerates between cuts to reach each figure, then positioning accuracy is improved, but cutting quality deteriorates due to ragged edges
Solution Approach 1:
The blade moves at constant speed throughout the cutting path without acceleration or deceleration, ensuring smooth and clean cuts while maintaining positioning accuracy through continuous motion control
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7A~7B
AI summary
Method for controlling a cutting plotter (1), whereby the method consists of the following steps: - providing a material (3) with figures (8) to be cut out thereon; - bringing a blade (4) to a starting position (a) and lowering it into the cutting plane (7); - moving the blade (4) according to a preset path (9) to cut out the figures (8); whereby the method comprises the step of adjusting the section (a - d, d - g) of the path (9) between two figures (8) such that the cutting direction at the start of said section (a - d, d - g) corresponds with the cutting direction of the path (9) at the end of a figure (8) and such that the cutting direction at the end of said section (a - d, d - g) corresponds with the cutting direction of the path (9) at the start of a next figure (8).