Fluid Jet Cutting Bar Alignment for Thermal Drift Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid jet cutting machines require high precision and synchronization, leading to high production costs and frequent calibration due to temperature variations, making it challenging to align large and heavy workpieces accurately and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electronically controlled lock and sensor units to adjust the tool-equipped bar's position dynamically, allowing continuous alignment and compensation for temperature-induced changes, reducing the need for machine downtime and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high precision requirements are placed on machine elements to achieve stable and fixed unit with respect to parallelism between frame sides and axle attachment means, then manufacturing precision is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static, rigid support system with a dynamic one. The bar is supported by journal means that allow controlled pivoting and horizontal movement, enabling the system to adapt to temperature variations and dimensional changes. This dynamic support mechanism maintains cutting precision without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the frame and axle components, thereby reducing production costs while preserving manufacturing precision.
2Reliability
If synchronous driving on respective opposite sides is implemented to achieve optimal synchronization of axle movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support function into two independent journal means, each handling one end of the bar. Instead of a complex synchronous driving mechanism, each journal means independently supports and guides its respective end of the bar, allowing natural synchronization through the rigid bar structure itself. This segmented approach maintains reliability by ensuring stable support while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for complex synchronous drive systems.
3Measurement precision
If workpiece alignment with respect to the coordinate system is performed manually, then measurement precision is achieved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment process with an automated optical/electronic measurement system. The bar is equipped with sensors or measurement devices that automatically detect the workpiece position and calculate the required alignment adjustments. This substitution of mechanical manual alignment with automated measurement technology achieves high measurement precision while dramatically reducing the time required for workpiece alignment.
4Manufacturing precision
If frequent calibration is performed to compensate for temperature-induced dimensional changes, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the position of the bar and tools relative to the workpiece. This real-time feedback allows the control system to automatically compensate for temperature-induced dimensional changes by adjusting the bar position or tool coordinates. The feedback loop maintains manufacturing precision continuously during operation, eliminating the need for frequent manual calibration and reducing machine downtime.
5Manufacturing precision
If the bar is made rigid to maintain stable tool positions, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the bar system dynamically adaptable rather than statically rigid. The journal means enable the bar to pivot and move horizontally in response to temperature variations, while the rigid bar structure itself maintains stable tool positions during cutting operations. The dynamic support mechanism provides adaptability to environmental changes while the rigid bar ensures manufacturing precision during actual cutting, achieving both objectives simultaneously.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine (1) for fluid jet cutting of a workpiece (2), comprising a stand (4) with two essentially parallel guides (6, 8) at a distance from each other. A control unit (15) is configured to control the motion of the bar, the bar (14) carries one or more fluid jet cutting tools (16A-D). Each end of the bar are arranged to the guides via a first journal means (18A) and a second journal means (20A). The machine comprises a workpiece position measuring equipment (22x', 22x", 22x'") for sensing at least two reference positions (x', x", x'") of the workpiece (2), and the control unit (15) is configured to operate the motion of the bar (14) from the reference position values (x', x", x'") and other operational data. The invention also relates to a method for fluid jet cutting of a workpiece. The invention also relates to a computer program at a machine for fluid jet cutting of a workpiece. The invention also relates to a computer program product at a machine for fluid jet cutting of a workpiece.