Laser Cutting Head Edge Detection for Workpiece Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating edge portions from workpieces, such as those obtained from sheet metal forming, face difficulties in efficient removal, handling, and disposal due to their size and weight, often causing damage to laser cutting apparatuses and requiring time-consuming finishing processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a laser cutting head with edge detection and precise movement control to perform multiple individual severing cuts, allowing for efficient separation of edge portions into manageable lengths with high-quality cuts, avoiding unnecessary cuts and collisions, and enabling reliable complete separation without CAD data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laser is applied to separate large contiguous edge portions from workpieces, then the edge portions can be removed, but the large size and weight of the edge portions cause difficulty in removal and may damage the laser cutting apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous edge portion into multiple smaller segments through sequential laser cuts. The laser cutting head moves along the workpiece and creates individual cut sections that are separated by uncut portions, transforming one large heavy object into multiple smaller manageable pieces that are easier to handle and dispose of without damaging the apparatus
2Adaptability or versatility
If the laser cutting head performs cuts without CAD data, then edge portions of unknown shape and geometry can be separated, but the risk of collision with the workpiece increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through a sensor system that continuously monitors the distance between the laser cutting head and the workpiece surface. This real-time distance information is fed back to the control system, which adjusts the laser cutting head's position and movement to maintain a safe working distance, preventing collisions while enabling processing of workpieces with unknown geometries
3Reliability
If unnecessary long cuts are performed beyond the edge of the workpiece, then complete separation can be ensured, but the time needed to perform the cut increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing edge detection and distance measurement before executing the laser cut. The system预先 identifies the exact location of the workpiece edge and calculates the precise cut path, allowing the laser to stop exactly at the boundary without performing unnecessary extended cuts, thus ensuring complete separation while minimizing cutting time
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 method enables rapid, precise, and safe separation of edge portions, reducing the risk of incomplete cuts and apparatus damage, and optimizing handling and disposal by minimizing unnecessary cuts and ensuring high-quality edges.
Implementation Method 1
separating an edge portion of a workpiece using a laser
Implementation Method 2
the laser is emitted from a laser cutting head
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cutting off an edge portion of a workpiece includes applying a laser to the workpiece to form multiple individual severing cuts in the edge portion such that the edge portion is cut off from the workpiece, the multiple individual severing cuts being arranged together along the edge portion. Applying the laser to the workpiece to form the multiple individual severing cuts includes, for each individual severing cut, translating a laser cutting head and/or the workpiece relative to one another, and detecting, at an end of each severing cut, an edge of the workpiece, in which the translation of the laser cutting head or the workpiece continues at least until the edge is detected.