Laser Blanking Apparatus Integrated Conveyor for Precision Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser cutting apparatuses require significant space and are difficult to install, with a high likelihood of misalignment during plate material processing due to the need for synchronized roller and belt conveyor mechanisms, limiting productivity and precision.

Innovation Solution

A laser blanking apparatus utilizing a single endless conveyor with upstream and downstream support rollers and a drawing roller, allowing for precise cutting and movement of the laser nozzle along X-axis and Y-axis rails, while integrating antivibration means and a sputter receiving box to prevent misalignment and damage from laser light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a roller conveyor mechanism and a belt conveyor mechanism are used to support and transport the plate material, then the plate material can be supported and conveyed during laser cutting, but the apparatus requires a large space and is difficult to install

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplate material support and conveyanceVSAvoidapparatus installation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the roller conveyor mechanism and belt conveyor mechanism into a single integrated conveyor system. The conveyor belt runs continuously over support rollers, combining the functions of both mechanisms into one compact unit that reduces the overall apparatus footprint while maintaining the ability to support and convey plate material during laser cutting operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a roller conveyor mechanism and a belt conveyor mechanism are used to transport the plate material, then the plate material can be conveyed during laser cutting, but misalignment may occur due to the need to synchronize the two mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplate material conveyanceVSAvoidcutting alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the roller conveyor and belt conveyor into a single synchronized system where the belt and rollers work together as one unit, the patent eliminates the need to coordinate two separate mechanisms. This unified approach ensures that the plate material is conveyed smoothly without misalignment, maintaining cutting precision throughout the laser cutting process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the plate material is processed between the roller conveyor mechanism and belt conveyor mechanism, then the material can be supported during cutting, but the processing position is confined and productivity is reduced due to the need to stop or slow down the material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial support during cuttingVSAvoidcutting speed and flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated conveyor system provides continuous, uninterrupted support for the plate material throughout the laser cutting process. The unified design allows the material to move at optimal speeds without being confined to a restricted processing zone between two separate mechanisms, thereby maintaining high productivity and cutting speed while ensuring reliable material support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional shearing apparatus with upper and lower blades is used to cut plate material, then the plate material can be cut into blanks, but the blank shape is limited by the blade shapes and cannot form complicated shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblank cutting capabilityVSAvoidblank shape complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical shearing apparatus with a laser cutting system. This substitution allows for flexible, computer-controlled laser beams to cut the plate material according to any desired complex shape, eliminating the limitation of fixed blade geometries and enabling the production of complicated blank shapes that were previously impossible with mechanical shears

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

The apparatus saves space, ensures high precision cutting, and increases productivity by preventing misalignment and allowing for flexible positioning of the laser nozzle, while also protecting the conveyor from laser damage and efficiently collecting sputter.

Implementation Method 1

cuts the plate material into a blank material with laser light emitted from a laser nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

emitting laser light; and moving the upstream and downstream support rollers and the drawing roller so that the upstream and downstream support rollers and the drawing roller follow a movement of the laser nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10279428B2Laser blanking apparatus and processing method using same

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 HITACHI ZOSEN FUKUI CORP

AI summary

While conveying a flat plate material X, a laser blanking apparatus 100 for cutting the plate material X into a blank material with laser light emitted from a laser nozzle 11 includes an endless conveyor 1 for feeding the plate material X, a pair of upstream and downstream support rollers 21a and 21b provided below the laser nozzle 11, and a drawing roller 21c provided below the upstream and downstream support rollers 21a and 21b, wherein the upstream and downstream support rollers 21a and 21b and the drawing roller 21c guide the endless conveyor 1.