Integrated Die-Cutter and Laser Finishing for Flexible Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting apparatus for flexible materials face limitations in precision cuts and shapes, particularly with small-sized holes or cuts, requiring multiple machines and laborious processes, leading to increased time and economic disadvantages due to the need for separate die-cutting and laser finishing steps.
Innovation Solution
A single apparatus integrating a flatbed die-cutter and a laser plotter along a continuous feed line, allowing for both initial shaping and high-precision finishing without material transfer, with movable cutting units and feed rollers for efficient layer management and scrap removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate die-cutter and laser cutting machines are used, then precision cuts and small-sized holes can be achieved, but processing time increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a die-cutter and a laser cutter into a single integrated cutting apparatus. The die-cutter performs initial cutting operations while the laser cutter handles precision work and small-sized holes, both operating on the same material sheet simultaneously or sequentially without requiring separate machines or material transfer, thereby achieving high precision cuts while reducing processing time.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate die-cutter and laser cutting machines are used, then precision cuts and small-sized holes can be achieved, but device dimensions and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a die-cutter and a laser cutter into a single cutting apparatus with a unified structure. Both cutting units share common components such as the material holding mechanism and control system, reducing the overall system complexity and footprint compared to using separate machines while maintaining the capability to perform both rough cutting and precision work.
3Manufacturing precision
If material is transferred between separate machines, then precision finishing can be achieved, but labor and preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a die-cutter and a laser cutter into a single cutting apparatus. Both cutting units operate on the same material sheet within the same machine, eliminating the need to transfer materials between separate machines. The integrated design allows seamless transition between rough cutting and precision finishing operations without additional labor or preparation time.
4Productivity
If a single apparatus integrates both die-cutting and laser cutting, then processing time is reduced and system size is minimized, but the complexity of coordinating multiple cutting units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives feedback from both the die-cutter and laser cutter regarding their operational status, cutting progress, and material position. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically coordinates the sequencing and parameters of both cutting units to perform rough cutting and precision work efficiently, minimizing processing time while managing the complexity of coordinating multiple cutting units through intelligent control.
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 integrated solution significantly reduces processing time, achieves precise cuts and shapes, and minimizes system size while maintaining versatility for various materials and processes, enabling continuous feeding and finishing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a second cutting unit (14), arranged on the feed line (6) downstream of the first cutting unit (13), to carry out a second shaping process on the material (2) previously worked from the first unit (13), wherein the second cutting unit (14) comprises at least one laser emitter (16)
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to an apparatus for cutting flexible material. This cutting apparatus comprises: a feed line of a flexible material (2), feeding means (8) for feeding each layer (9, 10, 11, 12) so as to couple said layers (9, 10, 11, 12) to each other along the line of feed and to define said material (2), a first cutting unit (13), arranged on the feeding line, to carry out a first shaping process on said material (2), and a second cutting unit (14), arranged on the feeding line (6) downstream of said first cutting unit (13), to carry out a second shaping process on said shaped material (2). Said second cutting unit (14) has at least a laser emitter (16) to carry out finishing work on the material (2) shaped in the first cutting unit (13).