Laser Cutting Spike Bed Isolation for Precision Sheet Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser or plasma cutting apparatuses experience reduced cutting precision due to vibrations from the cutting head movements, especially when processing laminar material in the form of single sheets, as these vibrations affect the positioning of the material on the spike bed.

Innovation Solution

The cutting apparatus features a spike bed and closing devices that are mechanically independent of the support structure for the cutting head, reducing vibration transmission and maintaining cutting precision by decoupling the spike bed and closing devices from the cutting head's support structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the spike bed and closing devices are integrated into the support structure of the cutting head, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cutting precision deteriorates due to vibration transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrationVSAvoidcutting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into separate support structures: one for the cutting head and another for the spike bed and closing devices. This segmentation isolates the spike bed from vibrations generated by cutting head movements, thereby maintaining cutting precision while managing device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spike bed and closing devices are extracted from the cutting head's support structure and placed on a separate support structure. This extraction removes the source of vibration transmission to the material, preserving cutting precision without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If the cutting head moves during operation, then the cutting operation can be performed, but vibrations are generated that affect material positioning on the spike bed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting operation capabilityVSAvoidmaterial positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spike bed is extracted from the cutting head's support structure and placed on a separate support structure. This extraction removes the source of vibration transmission to the material, preserving cutting precision without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A separate support structure acts as an intermediary between the cutting head and the spike bed. This intermediary isolates the spike bed from vibrations generated by cutting head movements, thereby maintaining material positioning accuracy while enabling normal cutting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the laminar material is in the form of single sheets, then versatility is improved, but cutting precision deteriorates due to greater sensitivity to vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial form handlingVSAvoidcutting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure for the spike bed and closing devices is designed to be mechanically independent specifically at the locations where vibrations would affect material positioning. This local quality approach maintains cutting precision for sensitive single sheet material while preserving the versatility to handle different material forms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This design significantly reduces the impact of cutting head movements on the laminar material's positioning, enhancing cutting precision for both sheet and coil forms of material, and simplifies implementation without requiring complex additional systems.

Implementation Method 1

at least one laser or plasma cutting head T

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

at least one laser or plasma cutting head T

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Data Source

PatentUS11819947B2Apparatus for laser or plasma cutting of pieces of laminar material

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 DALLAN S R L CASTELFRANCO VENETO

AI summary

The present invention concerns an apparatus for laser or plasma cutting of pieces of laminar material, comprising a cutting station, comprising a first support structure and at least a laser or plasma cutting head which is associated with the first support structure and which is movable in relation thereto within an operating area; and a positioning element for positioning at least a portion of the laminar material in the operating area on a cutting plane. The positioning element may consist of a conveyor belt of the spike bed type. The apparatus may further comprise a first closing device suitable to close a first opening into the operating area and a second closing device suitable to close a second opening of the operating area. The positioning element may be associated with a second support structure independent of the first support structure. The first and second closing devices may also be associated with a support structure that is independent of the first support structure.