Jet Cutting Path Planning for Collision-Free Workpiece Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for separating processing of workpieces using laser cutting devices face challenges in avoiding collisions between tilted workpiece parts and the cutting head, leading to poor material utilization and increased costs, especially when precise positioning is required.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining the position of support points, defining areas free of starting and end points on the cutting contour, calculating torque and tilting heights, and creating a grid for path planning to select optimal points for cutting, ensuring safe and precise separation processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a reduced packing density is used to avoid collisions between tilted workpiece parts and the cutting head, then collision risk is reduced, but material utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidmaterial utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the positions of support points and calculating torque/tilting height for each potential starting point before the actual cutting process. This pre-calculation allows the system to identify safe starting points that prevent workpiece tilting and collisions, enabling closer packing of workpiece parts without increasing collision risk during the subsequent cutting operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the calculated torque and tilting height information to select optimal starting points for cutting. The system continuously evaluates which starting points will minimize tilting and avoid collisions, then adjusts the cutting path accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high material utilization while preventing collisions through intelligent path planning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If microjoints are used to secure workpiece parts during cutting, then collision risk is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the problematic element (microjoints) from the process by replacing the need for physical securing mechanisms with a computational approach. By calculating torque and tilting height for each potential starting point, the system identifies cutting paths that inherently prevent tilting, eliminating the need for additional microjoints or securing devices and simplifying the overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical securing system (microjoints) with a computational and control-based system. Instead of using physical connections to prevent tilting, the system uses pre-calculated torque analysis and intelligent starting point selection to guide the cutting head along paths that naturally avoid inducing tilting, substituting mechanical complexity with computational intelligence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 effectively prevents collisions between workpiece parts and the cutting head, enhancing material utilization and reducing costs by optimizing the cutting process through precise path planning based on measured and calculated data.

Implementation Method 1

a beam cutting device, in particular a laser cutting device, with a cutting head is used for separating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP4076832B1Method for the separating processing of a workpiece and software program product
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 TRUMPF WERKZEUGMASCHINEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4076832B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4076832B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4076832B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the separating processing of a workpiece, wherein a part of a workpiece is separated out from the workpiece along a cutting contour, and wherein a jet cutting device with a cutting head is used for the separating processing.