Integrated Disk and Water-Jet Cutting Unit for Inclined Slab Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines for slabs, particularly those combining disk and water-jet technologies, struggle to perform inclined cuts efficiently, as the water-jet nozzle is fixed and cannot be used for inclined operations, leading to increased operating costs and the need for separate machines for different cutting methods.
Innovation Solution
A combined cutting apparatus with a working unit that includes disk and water-jet cutting means, capable of rotating about two axes, allowing for inclined cuts using either technology, and featuring a compact design to reduce costs and working time by integrating both cutting methods in a single machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If water-jet cutting technology is used for precise and curved cuts, then manufacturing precision is improved, but operating cost increases due to high water pressure requirements and abrasive material consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines disk cutting means and water-jet cutting means into a single working unit that can perform both cutting methods. The disk cutting means handles straight cuts with high speed and structural simplicity, while the water-jet cutting means handles precise and curved cuts. This merging allows the system to select the most appropriate cutting method for each operation, improving overall efficiency and reducing operating costs by avoiding unnecessary use of the more expensive water-jet technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The working unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both disk cutting and water-jet cutting operations. The support carriage can accommodate either the disk cutting means or the water-jet cutting means, and the system can switch between these different cutting methods depending on the specific cutting requirements, making the apparatus universally applicable to various cutting tasks.
2Speed
If disk cutting means are used for straight cuts, then cutting speed is improved, but the ability to perform curved cuts and geometric forms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges disk cutting means and water-jet cutting means into a single integrated working unit. The disk cutting means provides high-speed straight cuts, while the water-jet cutting means provides precise curved cuts and geometric form capability. By combining these two cutting technologies in one apparatus, the system achieves both high speed and versatility, allowing it to adapt to different cutting requirements without sacrificing performance in either area.
3Reliability
If separate machines are used for disk cutting and water-jet cutting, then each cutting method can be optimized, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges disk cutting means and water-jet cutting means into a single working unit mounted on a common support carriage. Both cutting systems share the same gantry structure, control system, and movement mechanisms, which reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate machines. The integrated design allows both cutting methods to be optimized while occupying less space and requiring fewer separate support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The working unit is designed with universality, capable of accommodating both disk cutting means and water-jet cutting means on the same support carriage. This multi-functional design allows the apparatus to perform both cutting methods with a single integrated system, maintaining the optimization of each cutting method while reducing the need for separate dedicated machines and minimizing space requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the working unit is designed with both disk and water-jet cutting means, then versatility is improved, but the compactness and working space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by positioning the water-jet cutting means and disk cutting means in a nested or overlapping arrangement on the support carriage. The components are arranged to maximize space utilization, with the working unit designed to occupy minimal volume while still accommodating both cutting systems. This nested configuration allows the versatile working unit to maintain a compact size suitable for integration into the gantry structure without excessive space 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 use of the most appropriate cutting technology for each operation, reduces operating costs and time by allowing inclined cuts with both disk and water-jet methods in a single, compact apparatus, eliminating the need for separate machines.
Implementation Method 1
a spindle rotating about a vertical axis and equipped with water jet cutting means and disk cutting means
Implementation Method 2
The beam has, arranged thereon, a support carriage which is slidable along the beam and on which a working unit movable vertically
Implementation Method 3
a jet of water at a high pressure (for example 3000-4000 bar), preferably containing suspended granules of abrasive material
Implementation Method 4
a jet of water at a high pressure (for example 3000-4000 bar), preferably containing suspended granules of abrasive material, such as sand
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for cutting slab material comprising a working table to support the slabs to be cut during working; a working unit comprising disk cutting means and water-jet cutting means; and a unit for moving the working unit above the working table. The movement unit comprises a horizontal translation unit to move the working unit along two directions parallel to the working table and perpendicular to each other; a vertical translation unit to move the working unit along a direction perpendicular to the working table; a first rotation unit to rotate the working unit about a first axis, vertical and substantially perpendicular to the working table; and a second rotation unit to rotate the working unit about a second axis, inclined with respect to the first axis. Said disk cutting means and water-jet cutting means are integral and therefore the second rotation unit rotates simultaneously with the said cutting means.