Cutting Slot Closing Device for Working Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cutting machines face malfunctions due to small off-cuts penetrating the cutting slot, limiting the effectiveness of existing closing strip systems which are hindered by the need for clamping grippers and restricted placement around grooves.
Innovation Solution
An equipped working table with a cutting slot closing device that moves along a straight path, using a deformable elastic foil or rigid structure, to effectively close the cutting slot during cutting operations while allowing saw blades to pass, and remains extracted during the return stroke to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closing strips are positioned on the working table to close the cutting slot, then off-cuts are prevented from entering the machine, but the placement is limited by grooves for grippers and reduces the number of effective closing strips
Solution Approach 1:
The closing device is moved from the horizontal plane (working table surface) to the vertical dimension by positioning it in a groove that extends through the thickness of the working table. This allows the closing element to operate in the vertical dimension while the actuating mechanism remains hidden in the horizontal plane, resolving the conflict between effective closing strip placement and gripper groove interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating mechanism for the closing device is nested within the working table structure itself. The cam mechanism and actuating elements are positioned in grooves that go through the working table thickness, allowing the closing function to be integrated into the table structure without interfering with gripper operations on the surface.
2Reliability
If closing strips are moved during cutting operation to close the slot, then off-cuts are prevented, but the strips must be positioned away from grooves which limits their effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The closing action is transferred to the vertical dimension where the closing element moves up and down in a groove that passes through the working table. This allows the closing mechanism to be positioned directly over or near gripper grooves without interfering with gripper movement, as the closing action occurs in the vertical dimension while grippers operate in the horizontal plane.
3Strength
If the upper profile of closing strips is lower than the working table surface to prevent locking, then panels can be clamped firmly, but the closing strips cannot provide effective closure
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element operates in the vertical dimension by moving up from the working table surface to close the cutting slot. The top surface of the closing element can be flush with or slightly below the working table surface to prevent panel locking, while still providing effective closure by extending vertically to block the slot opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing device is segmented into distinct functional parts: the closing element that provides the blocking function and the actuating mechanism that provides the movement function. This allows the closing element to be optimized for closure effectiveness while the actuating mechanism handles the positioning and movement, separating the conflicting requirements.
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
Enables the placement of closing devices along the cutting line without interfering with grippers, providing a wider closure of the cutting slot, ensuring better prevention of off-cuts from entering and maintaining optimal panel clamping for precise cutting.
Implementation Method 1
using a deformable elastic foil or rigid structure, to effectively close the cutting slot during cutting operations while allowing saw blades to pass, and remains extracted during the return stroke to prevent interference
Data Source
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AI summary
An equipped working table (100) for a cutting machine (10); the equipped working table (100) comprising an upper surface (SS) supporting at least one panel and at least one closing device (200), (200A), (200B), (200C), (200D) of a cutting slot (FT); said at least one closing device (200), (200A), (200B), (200C), (200D) of the cutting slot (FT) comprising a closing member (201) of said cutting slot (FT) and actuating means (202) of said closing member (201); said closing member (201) being orthogonal to the cutting slot (FT) itself and being able to be positioned in a retracted terminal position (PRT), in which said cutting slot (FT) In correspondence to said closing member (201) remains open, and in an extracted terminal position (PET), in which said cutting slot (FT) in correspondence to said closing member (201) is closed by said closing member (201) itself; a head (201B), (201B*), (201B**), (201B***), (201B****) is associated to said closing member (201). The equipped working table (100) being characterized in that said upper surface (SS) supporting a panel or a stack of panels is at least partially arranged over the head (201 B), (201B*), (201B**), (201 B***), (201 B****) of said closing member (201) when said closing member (201) is located in said retracted terminal position (PRT).