Hide Cutting System Operator Role Reversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cutting natural hides with numeric control systems face challenges in achieving perfect spreading on a flat surface due to internal tensions and folded edges, requiring manual intervention to flatten wrinkles and ensure adhesion, which is inefficient and limited by the need for direct operator access.
Innovation Solution
The method involves reversing the roles of operators and conveyor belt areas, allowing the collection operator to interact with the cutting area to rearrange and spread the hide using photocells to inhibit cutting heads, ensuring perfect adhesion and spreading, thereby optimizing operator efficiency and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum generation means are actuated to push the hide against the suction cutting plane, then adhesion of the hide to the cutting plane is improved, but wrinkles are generated in the hide that do not allow correct cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The operator performs preliminary flattening actions on the hide surface before the vacuum suction is fully activated. By manually smoothing out wrinkles and folding edges while the hide is still partially free, the operator prepares the surface to adhere evenly to the cutting plane without generating excessive wrinkles, thus resolving the contradiction between adhesion and surface flatness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of vacuum suction levels and operator intervention timing. The vacuum generation means can be activated in controlled stages, allowing the operator to manipulate the hide in between suction phases. This dynamic control enables the hide to be flattened manually when needed and then secured by vacuum, balancing adhesion requirements with surface flatness.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual intervention is used to flatten wrinkles and spread the hide, then perfect spreading is achieved, but operator efficiency is reduced due to limited accessibility and time constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The operator performs all necessary spreading and flattening actions during the placement area phase before the hide enters the cutting area. By completing these preliminary actions in advance while the hide is stationary and accessible, the operator maximizes productivity and eliminates the need for time-consuming interventions during the cutting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt is divided into distinct functional areas: a placement area where the operator has full accessibility to perform spreading and flattening operations, and a cutting area where the hide is conveyed under vacuum suction for cutting operations. This segmentation allows each operator to focus on their specific task in the optimal zone, improving overall efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the conveyor belt moves on the suction plane, then material handling is improved, but friction between the belt and plane increases due to partial vacuum
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system is segmented into a placement area (where the belt moves on atmospheric pressure, not suction) and a cutting area (where the belt is stationary or moves slowly on vacuum suction). This segmentation allows the belt to move freely in the placement area without friction issues, while maintaining vacuum adhesion in the cutting area for secure material handling during cutting operations.
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 approach enhances cutting efficiency by allowing the collection operator to rearrange the hide during cutting, optimizing processing and reducing the need for direct manual intervention, thus improving overall cutting work efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
provide such plane with vacuum generation systems, which, by means of a breathable resting surface, create a partial vacuum on the lower surface of the hide that pushes it into contact with such plane
Implementation Method 2
using photocells to inhibit cutting heads
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for cutting natural hides and the like, on cutting machines (1) comprising a conveyor belt (2) on which a hide to be cut is arranged, and at least one longitudinal cantilever arm (4) for supporting a cutting head (5) adapted to cut the hide, comprising the steps of: on a conveyor belt (2) of the machine that is divided into a placement area (2a), a cutting area (2b) and a collection area (2c), wherein the collection area (2c) is an area of the conveyor belt (2) toward which the at least one supporting arm (4) protrudes with the corresponding cutting head (5), placing, by means of a placement operator (7), a hide on the placement area; defining a cutting layout on the hide; advancing the hide at the cutting area (2b) in order to cut the hide by means of the at least one cutting head (5); by means of a collection operator (6), located at the collection area (2c) and directed toward the at least one supporting arm (4) with corresponding cutting head (5), rearranging the hide when it is at the cutting area (2b); advancing the hide toward the collection area (2c) and collecting the cut pieces.