Dynamic Ellipse Cutting Beam Offset for Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for precise cutting of material layers using cutting jets, such as water jets or laser beams, are limited by the assumption of a fixed circular cross-section, which reduces accuracy and is not suitable for very precise cutting.

Innovation Solution

The method determines the lateral offset of the cutting beam based on changes in speed and deviations in the effective cutting beam cross-section, allowing for precise separation by fitting a dynamic ellipse to the measured cutting beam geometry and adjusting the cutting path accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the cutting beam cross-section is assumed to be circular and unchanging, then the control system is simple, but the cutting precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidcutting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static circular cross-section model to a dynamic elliptical cross-section model that adapts to varying cutting conditions. The ellipse parameters (semi-major axis a, semi-minor axis b, and orientation angle α) are continuously adjusted based on measured cutting beam geometry and cutting speed variations, enabling the control system to maintain high precision without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the mathematical model of the cutting beam cross-section from a fixed circle to a variable ellipse characterized by parameters a, b, and α. These parameters are dynamically determined based on measured cutting beam geometry and cutting speed, allowing the system to compensate for geometric deviations and speed variations to maintain cutting precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the cutting beam geometry is measured and dynamically adjusted, then the cutting precision is improved, but the measurement and control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidmeasurement and control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring the actual cutting beam geometry and using this information to adjust the cutting path compensation. The measured ellipse parameters (a, b, α) and cutting speed variations are fed back to the control system, which dynamically adjusts the lateral offset to maintain precision along the entire cutting path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the cutting path compensation based on measured ellipse parameters before actual cutting begins. The system determines the relationship between ellipse geometry and required lateral offset in advance, allowing for efficient real-time control during the cutting process without excessive computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the cutting speed varies along the cutting path, then the productivity is improved, but the cutting precision deteriorates due to servo delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting speedVSAvoidcutting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compensating for servo delay effects in the cutting path calculation. The system determines the required lateral offset based on the relationship between cutting speed and ellipse geometry, adjusting the path in advance to account for anticipated speed variations and their impact on cutting precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the lateral offset parameter as a function of cutting speed variations. The control system modifies the effective cutting beam cross-section parameters (a, b, α) and corresponding lateral offsets based on measured speed changes, compensating for servo delay effects and maintaining precision despite speed variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2338634B1Processes and device for separating a part of material along a predetermined separating line using a cutting beam
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 MICROWATERJET
  • EP2338634B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2338634B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2338634B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The method involves moving cutting beam (11) e.g. fluid jet or laser beam during cutting process such that cutting beam impinges on a material layer (20) laterally offset by a distance (W) from the cutting line (21). The distance is determined as a function of the variations of the cutting speed at which the cutting beam is moved and the deviations of the effective cross-section of the cutting beam from a circular shape. An independent claim is included for cutting device.