Dual Pattern Jig Rotation for Continuous Laser Notching Cleanup

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Solution Overview

Problem

During the process of cutting non-coated portions of aluminum and copper foils using a laser, fumes and particles adhere to the support portion of the pattern jig, leading to contamination and preventing continuous cutting.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus is designed with two pattern jigs installed on a rotating body, which alternately rotates 90 degrees upward or downward, accompanied by the leftward and rightward movement of brushes to periodically clean the pattern jigs, effectively removing contaminants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single pattern jig is used for laser cutting, then the structure is simple, but the jig becomes contaminated with fumes and particles preventing continuous cutting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidcontinuous cutting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single pattern jig is divided into two separate pattern jigs (first pattern jig and second pattern jig) that are alternately used. While one jig is being used for cutting, the other jig undergoes cleaning, thereby eliminating contamination issues and enabling continuous operation without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning operation is performed periodically by rotating the rotating body to bring the cleaned pattern jig into position. The rotating body rotates between 0 to 90 degrees to alternately position the first and second pattern jigs, enabling periodic cleaning cycles that maintain continuous production capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the pattern jig is cleaned periodically, then contamination is removed, but the cleaning process interrupts continuous cutting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous cutting capabilityVSAvoidcleaning interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the cleaning function into a separate, parallel process using two pattern jigs, the cleaning operation no longer interrupts cutting. One jig cuts while the other cleans, eliminating downtime and maintaining continuous production flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual jig system ensures that cutting action continues uninterrupted while cleaning occurs in parallel. The rotating body coordinates the switching between jigs seamlessly, maintaining continuous useful action without interruption for cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If two pattern jigs with rotation mechanism are implemented, then continuous cutting is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous cutting capabilityVSAvoidnumber of pattern jigs and cleaning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning mechanism is merged with the pattern jig assembly by integrating brushes that contact the pattern jig surface during rotation. The rotating body serves dual purposes: positioning the pattern jigs for cutting and enabling cleaning operations, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating body performs multiple functions: it positions the first pattern jig for cutting, rotates to position the second pattern jig, and enables cleaning brushes to contact the appropriate jig surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, balancing the added complexity with functional consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution allows for continuous cutting of non-coated portions by ensuring the pattern jigs remain clean, preventing contamination and enabling efficient production.

Implementation Method 1

a non-coated portion, which is a part that is not coated, is cut using a laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

fumes and particles are adhered to a support portion of the pattern jig due to high heat of the laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

brushes are moved leftward and rightward above or below to periodically perform cleaning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical abrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS20250170615A1Apparatus for automatically cleaning pattern jig after laser notching

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 LEE KYE SEOL

AI summary

Provided is an apparatus for automatically cleaning a pattern jig after laser notching, including a first pattern jig and a second pattern jig fixed to a rotating body, a motor configured to rotate the rotating body, a first upper brush fixing plate and a first lower brush fixing plate having a first brush configured to clean the first pattern jig, a first brush unit configured to move the first upper brush fixing plate and the first lower brush fixing plate leftward and rightward, a second upper brush fixing plate and a second lower brush fixing plate having a second brush configured to clean the second pattern jig, a second brush unit configured to move the second upper brush fixing plate and the second lower brush fixing plate leftward and rightward, and a pattern jig unit configured to move the first pattern jig and the second pattern jig leftward and rightward.