Laser Machine Airflow Layout for 3D Workpiece Dust Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser cutting apparatuses struggle to effectively discharge dust from machining points on three-dimensional workpieces with protrusions and recesses due to interference from the cover member and disturbance of the exhaust flow, leading to incomplete dust collection.
Innovation Solution
A laser machine design featuring a housing with an outside air intake port and deflector that guides airflow from the intake port to the machining head, creating a stable exhaust flow that discharges dust without being blocked by the workpiece's shape, using a configuration where the intake port is located on the upper face near the loading/unloading door and the exhaust port is on the rear face, allowing for unidirectional airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a large cover member is installed to cover the machining position, then dust discharge effectiveness is improved, but it interferes with three-dimensional workpieces with protrusions and recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal dust discharge to vertical dust discharge by positioning the exhaust port above the machining position and directing airflow upward. This dimensional change allows the exhaust flow to clear dust from three-dimensional workpieces without requiring a large cover member that would interfere with protrusions and recesses.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If intake port and exhaust port are installed near the workpiece in the cover member, then dust collection is improved, but the machining head size increases making it difficult to approach three-dimensional workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust port is positioned above the machining position rather than at the side, enabling vertical airflow that achieves effective dust collection without increasing the horizontal dimensions of the machining head. This allows the machining head to approach three-dimensional workpieces more closely.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust function is extracted from the traditional side-mounted port configuration and repositioned to an overhead location, separating the dust collection mechanism from the machining head's horizontal envelope and reducing its size.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire machining table is covered with a cover member, then dust discharge coverage is improved, but the exhaust flow is disturbed and cannot reach the machining point on three-dimensional workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to create uniform horizontal flow across the entire machining table, the patent focuses the exhaust flow locally at the machining position by positioning the exhaust port directly above the workpiece and using a deflector to guide flow precisely to the machining point, ensuring reliable dust removal regardless of workpiece geometry.
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
The design ensures stable dust discharge and collection during laser machining of three-dimensional workpieces by maintaining a clear airflow path, preventing dust from adhering to the workpiece and ensuring efficient dust removal without increasing the machining head's size or interfering with the workpiece's shape.
Implementation Method 1
The deflector guides the outside air introduced through the outside air intake port toward the machining head
Implementation Method 2
The exhaust port is provided on the second face and connected to an exhaust unit that generates an airflow that is a flow of air inside the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A laser machine includes a housing, a machining table, a gate, a machining head, a loading/unloading door, an exhaust port, an outside air intake port, and a deflector. The housing includes a first face and a second face orthogonal to a first direction, a third face and a fourth face orthogonal to a second direction, and a fifth face orthogonal to a third direction and facing the floor surface. The exhaust port is provided on the second face and connected to an exhaust unit that generates an airflow that is a flow of air inside the housing. The outside air intake port is provided in an upper part of the housing between the first face and the machining head in the first direction, and takes in outside air. The deflector guides the outside air introduced through the outside air intake port toward the machining head.