Laser-Cut Part Conveying With Guided Drop Sorting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser cutting technologies face issues with irregular scattering and collection of objects after cutting, leading to inefficient sorting and increased downtime, especially when processing materials with hollow openings, as they require manual intervention and risk damage from impact.

Innovation Solution

A laser-processed material conveying device that supports materials vertically, uses a dust collector to manage processing waste, and incorporates a guide device to stabilize the fall of objects onto a transport conveyor, ensuring orderly placement and conveyance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If objects are simply dropped onto a conveyor belt after laser cutting, then the structure is simple, but the objects scatter irregularly and may fall off the track

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidobject conveyance reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A guide device is introduced as an intermediary between the laser cutting position and the conveyor belt. This guide device includes guide plates and guide rails that direct falling objects onto the conveyor belt in an controlled manner, preventing scattering and ensuring reliable conveyance without significantly increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If workers manually sort and collect objects at the end of the conveyor, then sorting can be performed, but the laser cutting process must be temporarily stopped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting capabilityVSAvoidprocessing continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic sorting through the guide device that directs different types of objects (cut pieces, hollow openings, waste) to different destinations based on their characteristics. This self-sorting mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention and allows continuous laser cutting operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual sorting operation is replaced by a mechanical guide system that automatically directs objects to appropriate collection points. The guide device uses gravity and geometric constraints to achieve sorting without human intervention, maintaining production continuity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If objects fall onto a conveyor belt without guidance, then the conveyance system is simple, but objects may hit each other and cause product damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyance system simplicityVSAvoidimpact damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guide device acts as an intermediary that controls the trajectory of falling objects. Guide plates and rails are positioned to ensure objects follow predetermined paths, reducing relative velocities and preventing collisions that could cause damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide device is designed to cushion and control the impact of falling objects before they reach the conveyor belt. By providing guided pathways and controlled descent, the system reduces impact forces and prevents damage to both the objects and the conveyor system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Enables stable and efficient sorting and stacking of laser-cut materials, reducing downtime and enhancing processing efficiency by allowing continuous operation and minimizing object scattering.

Implementation Method 1

a dust collector (3) having a dust collection head (36) disposed to face a laser processing head (27) of a laser processing machine (2) that performs laser processing on a plate surface of the plate material W from a horizontal direction with the plate material W interposed therebetween on a back side of the plate material to suck up processing waste generated by the laser processing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a guide device (5) that places and guides falling objects that separate and fall from the plate material W due to the laser processing onto the transport conveyor (4)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4592019A1Transport device for laser-processed material

Publication Date: 2025.07.30 HIGOICHI CORP

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AI summary

[Object] To smoothly sort and convey objects separated from a plate material after laser cutting. [Solution] A dust collector 3 is disposed to face a laser processing head 27 of a laser processing machine 2 on a back side of a plate material W, the laser processing machine 2 performing laser processing on a plate surface of the plate material from a horizontal direction with the plate material supported in a vertical direction. A guide device 5 is provided to arrange and guide falling objects 41 that separate and fall from the plate material W due to laser processing onto a transport conveyor 4 in a state where the dust collector 3 is retracted from the position facing the laser processing head 27. The transport conveyor 4 is provided near the lower end of the plate material W. Laser-processed materials are efficiently sorted and conveyed even when a product cut out from the plate material includes a hollow opening 100.