Laser Cutting Path Correction for Metal Strip Edge Waviness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for correcting cutting paths on metal strips during laser cutting are inaccurate due to strip edge waviness and bowing, and rely on unreliable marks or require labor-intensive paint removal, leading to incomplete or mismatched cuts.
Innovation Solution
A method that simultaneously determines positional coordinates of a point on the metal strip's surface relative to x and y references, using multiple measurement devices to calculate correction values that account for strip movement and curvature, allowing precise correction of cutting paths without external marks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If strip edge measurement devices are used to correct cutting path coordinates, then cutting accuracy is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to strip edge waviness and bowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laser line projector as an intermediary element that projects a reference line onto the strip surface. This reference line serves as a mediator between the measurement system and the moving strip, allowing accurate position tracking despite strip edge irregularities. The reference line remains stable while the strip moves, enabling precise measurement of actual strip position relative to the reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the strip surface by projecting a laser line onto it. This laser line copy serves as a stable reference that can be tracked by cameras, allowing the system to measure strip position and movement without being affected by edge waviness or bowing. The copy enables indirect measurement that bypasses the measurement problems caused by irregular edges.
2Ease of operation
If marks are sprayed onto the metal strip for position detection, then position tracking is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases due to mark application and removal processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/mark-based position detection system with an optical measurement system. Instead of physically marking the strip with paint dots and then removing them, the system uses a laser line projector and cameras to optically track strip position. This substitution eliminates the need for mark application and removal equipment, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from physical mark presence to optical reflection patterns. By projecting a laser line and detecting its reflection from the strip surface, the system obtains position information without physical contact or permanent marking. This parameter change from mechanical to optical domain simplifies the system by eliminating mark-related processes.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement devices are used to track strip position, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser line projector and the camera system into a single integrated measurement unit. The laser line projector and cameras are combined in one device, allowing simultaneous projection of the reference line and detection of strip position. This merging reduces the number of separate devices needed while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to project the reference laser line and to detect strip position through camera imaging. This universal device performs multiple functions (projection and detection) that would otherwise require separate devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for correcting a predetermined cutting path for cutting a metal blank from a metal strip continuously transported in a transport direction x with the following steps:Simultaneously determining a first x coordinate x1 and a first y coordinate y1 of a point on a surface of the metal strip with respect to an x and a y reference;Determining a second coordinate y2 of the point with respect to the y reference at precisely the time when the metal strip has been moved in the transport direction x by a predetermined first distance dx1 with respect to the first x coordinate x1; Determining a first y correction value Ky1 by taking the difference between the first y coordinate y1 and the second y coordinate y2; andUsing the first y correction value Ky1 to correct the cutting path coordinates describing the predetermined cutting path.