Dual-Tool Working Head for Precise Corner Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

CNC cutting machines face inefficiencies in making precise cuts at corners due to the diameter of the cutting disc, requiring manual tool changes and additional finishing operations, which are dangerous and time-consuming, and waterjet systems are costly.

Innovation Solution

A versatile working head with integrated cutting disc and milling cutter assemblies, allowing simultaneous use without tool dismounting, using separate driving means for each tool and sliding, tilting mechanisms for precise cuts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single drive shaft with alternating tool mounting is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to continuous stopping and manual tool changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle drive shaft structureVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single drive shaft is segmented into two independent drive shafts, each capable of rotating at different speeds and driving different tools (cutting disc and milling cutter) simultaneously or alternately without requiring machine shutdown for tool changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting disc and milling cutter can operate simultaneously or alternately without stopping the machine, eliminating idle time between operations and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the cutting and finishing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual tool dismounting and remounting is performed, then adaptability is improved, but reliability decreases due to safety risks and potential misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool switching capabilityVSAvoidcutting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between cutting disc and milling cutter operations through automated mechanisms, eliminating manual intervention and ensuring consistent, precise positioning for each tool without human error or safety risks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The working head is designed with universal functionality to accommodate both cutting disc and milling cutter operations through integrated mounting mechanisms, allowing both tools to be securely mounted and operated with the same system infrastructure

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

3Manufacturing precision

If high rotation speeds are used for milling cutter, then manufacturing precision is improved, but harmful factors increase due to centrifugal force affecting the cutting disc

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidcentrifugal force
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation system is segmented into independent drive shafts, allowing the milling cutter to rotate at high speeds (6000-10000 rpm) for precise finishing while the cutting disc rotates at lower speeds (800-2800 rpm) on a separate shaft, eliminating centrifugal force interference between the two tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Independent drive shafts act as intermediaries that isolate the high-speed rotation of the milling cutter from the cutting disc, allowing each tool to operate at its optimal speed without the harmful centrifugal effects of the other tool's rotation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12370641B2Working head for cutting machine of sheet materials
Publication Date: 2025.07.29 SASSOMECCANICA SPA
  • US12370641B2 patent drawing
  • US12370641B2 patent drawing
  • US12370641B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A working head for a cutting machine having a frame, and a cutting disc assembly supported by the frame. The cutting disc assembly having a cutting disc and a first driver rotatably moving the cutting disc around an axis of rotation of the cutting disc. A milling cutter assembly is supported by the frame. The milling cutter assembly has a milling cutter and a second driver that rotatably moves the cutting disc around an axis of rotation of the cutter.