Laser Cutting Screen for Sheet Metal Dust Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet metal cutting devices face challenges with cutting dust adhering to the underside of cut sheet metal pieces, requiring complex removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A screen movable in the y-direction is integrated into the gap between support strips, aligned with the laser beam, to prevent cutting dust from being flung towards the underside, combined with a dust discharge shaft and ventilation system to ensure efficient dust removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a dust collection container is secured to the dust discharge shaft and moved together with the laser cutting device, then cutting dust can be removed and collected, but cutting dust adheres or welds to the underside of the sheet metal piece requiring complex removal processes
Solution Approach 1:
A screen is introduced as an intermediary element positioned in the gap between support strips. This screen intercepts cutting dust particles before they can reach the underside of the sheet metal piece, allowing dust to be directed toward the dust discharge shaft for collection while preventing adhesion to the workpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap between support strips is segmented by introducing a movable screen that divides the space. This segmentation allows different zones to serve different functions: one side for dust collection and the other for clean sheet metal passage, resolving the conflict between dust removal and preventing adhesion.
2Ease of operation
If the gap between support strips is left open for conveyor belt movement, then the conveyor belt can function properly, but cutting dust is flung out of the gap towards the underside of the sheet metal strip
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The screen moves back and forth in synchronization with the laser beam's movement, maintaining optimal dust containment while preserving conveyor belt operation throughout the cutting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen acts as a flexible barrier that can move with the cutting process. This thin film structure effectively blocks cutting dust particles while allowing the system to maintain operational flexibility and continue conveyor belt movement without restriction.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a screen is introduced to prevent cutting dust from reaching the sheet metal underside, then dust adhesion is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen system is designed to be self-regulating through its movable nature. It automatically positions itself relative to the laser beam and cutting zone without requiring complex external control mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective dust prevention.
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 solution effectively prevents cutting dust from adhering to the underside of sheet metal pieces, allowing for easy dust collection and reducing the need for manual removal, while ensuring precise cutting and minimizing damage to the conveyor belt.
Implementation Method 1
a laser cutting device (20) is provided, which has a laser beam L which can act on the sheet metal strip (1) in a cutting region
Implementation Method 2
sheet metal pieces having a predefined contour can be cut out from the sheet metal strip (1)
Implementation Method 3
cutting dust Ss formed during the cutting process
Implementation Method 4
a dust discharge shaft (9) extending from at least one of the support strips (3, 4) in a discharge direction A pointing away from an underside U of the sheet metal strip (1)
Implementation Method 5
a screen (18) movable back and forth in the y-direction concurrently in alignment with the laser beam is provided in the gap S
Data Source
AI summary
A device for cutting sheet metal plates out of a sheet metal strip includes a laser cutting device moving back and forth in a transport direction of the sheet metal strip and a y-direction running perpendicular to the transport direction, a first conveyor belt having first end moving back and forth together with the laser cutting device in the transport direction, a second conveyor belt having a second end opposite the first end and moving back and forth in the transport direction. The first and second ends are moved such that a laser beam generated by the laser cutting device is directed towards a gap formed between the first and second ends and extending in the y-direction. In order to avoid adhesions to an underside of the sheet metal strip, at least one support strip and/or the dust discharge shaft is provided with a ventilation device for ventilating the gap.