Cutting Unit Flange Positioning for Variable Cross-Section Bars

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting-off machines face limitations in cutting bars with varying cross-sectional dimensions, particularly those with significant horizontal dimensions, as they struggle to maximize the usable blade length for such cuts.

Innovation Solution

A cutting unit for a cutting-off machine featuring a selecting device that allows the flange to operate in two modes: one where the flange is behind the abutment surface for vertical cuts and another where it exits above the rest plane for increased horizontal cutting capacity, enabling the use of a larger blade portion parallel to the rest plane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the flange is positioned behind the abutment surface during cutting, then the machine can cut work-pieces having a relevant dimension along the abutment surface (vertical dimension), but the usable blade length for horizontal cuts is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusable blade lengthVSAvoidability to cut work-pieces with different cross sections
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting unit allows dynamic repositioning of the flange between two working modes: first mode where the flange is behind the abutment surface for vertical cuts, and second mode where the flange exits from the abutment surface for horizontal cuts. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to optimize blade usage for different work-piece geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both vertical and horizontal cuts by selecting different working modes. The flange positioning system enables the same cutting unit to universally process work-pieces with different cross-sectional orientations, maximizing blade utilization across various cutting scenarios.

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

2Productivity

If the flange exits from the abutment surface above the rest plane during cutting, then the portion of blade that can be used for cutting in a direction parallel to the rest plane is maximized, but the machine cannot effectively cut work-pieces having a relevant dimension along the abutment surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting speed for horizontal cutsVSAvoidability to cut work-pieces with vertical dimension
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts flange position based on cutting requirements. For horizontal cuts requiring maximum blade usage, the flange exits from the abutment surface. For vertical cuts, the flange remains behind the abutment surface. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize productivity for each specific cutting operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the position of the rest plane is fixed relative to the inclination axis, then the machine structure is simpler, but the machine cannot adapt to cut bars having cross sections whose sizes vary from one another

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidability to cut bars with varying cross sections
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting unit incorporates a rest plane that can be positioned independently of the inclination axis position, creating a universally adaptable system. This independent positioning capability allows the machine to handle bars with varying cross-sections and orientations without requiring complex reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2364805B1A cutting unit for a cutting-off machine
Publication Date: 2012.07.11 EMMEGI SPA
  • EP2364805B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2364805B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2364805B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A cutting unit for a cutting-off machine comprises a rest plane (P) for supporting a work-piece (20) to be cut, an abutment surface (8) against which a lateral face of the work-piece (20) can abut, a circular blade (4) fixed to a flange (10), the flange (10) being supported in a cutting head (12) which can be inclined about an inclination axis (A), the position of the inclination axis (A) being independent of the position of the rest plane (P), the cutting unit (1) further comprising a selecting device (28) for selecting a first working mode, in which the flange (10) is located behind the abutment surface (8) during cutting, or alternatively a second working mode, in which the flange (10) exits from the abutment surface (8) above the rest plane (P) during cutting. [Fig. 3]