Transversal Laser Cutting Bridge Intermediate Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transversal laser cutting machines face limitations due to large deflections caused by inertial forces, which affect machine dynamics and productivity, and longitudinal machines have restricted access and visibility.
Innovation Solution
A transversal laser cutting machine design featuring a bridge supported at intermediate positions by first and second support structures, allowing the laser head to move along the bridge with reduced deflection and improved rigidity, enhancing cutting accuracy and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a longer motion unit is used in transversal laser cutting machines to extend across the long side of the workpiece support, then the machine can handle larger workpieces and provide improved access and visibility, but inertial forces from movement cause large deflections at the center of the motion unit that affect dynamics and productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The motion unit is divided into multiple segments with intermediate support structures positioned along its length. This segmentation reduces the span between supports, minimizing deflection caused by inertial forces during acceleration and deceleration, while still allowing the overall structure to span the full width of the workpiece support for handling large workpieces.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate support structures are introduced as mediator elements between the ends of the motion unit and the machine frame. These supports provide additional bearing points that reduce the effective length of the motion unit, thereby reducing inertial deflection without compromising the ability to accommodate large workpieces on the full-sized support table.
2Productivity
If the motion unit is made shorter to reduce inertial forces and improve dynamics, then productivity and machine response improve, but the machine loses the ability to handle larger workpieces and provide improved access and visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The motion unit is segmented into multiple sections with intermediate supports, allowing each segment to be shorter and more rigid while the overall structure maintains full span capability for large workpieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes the vertical dimension with overhead support beams and intermediate vertical supports, allowing the motion unit to span large horizontal distances while maintaining short effective support spans through three-dimensional structural design.
3Manufacturing precision
If intermediate support structures are added to the bridge to reduce deflection, then cutting precision and rigidity improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate support structures serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support to reduce deflection, act as mounting points for drive systems and sensors, and serve as structural reinforcement for the overall frame. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and justifies the added complexity through consolidated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate support structures are merged with the drive system mounting and control system integration, combining multiple functions into unified structural elements. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the addition of support elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A laser cutting machine includes a first bearing structure and a second bearing structure, a first support structure and a second support structure, a bridge, and a laser head. Each of the first and second bearing structures includes a support structure interface. The first support structure is configured to engage the support structure interface of the first bearing structure and the second support structure is configured to engage the support structure interface of the second bearing structure. The bridge is attached to the first support structure at a first intermediate support region and to the second support structure at a second intermediate support region and is configured to move in a first direction. The laser head is configured to move along the bridge in a second direction.