Laser Frame Joint Structure to Prevent Cantilever Sagging

Solution Overview

Problem

The laser head of a composite working machine bends due to its cantilevered support, leading to precision issues and potential sagging, and increasing the device's size and manufacturing cost to enhance rigidity is not feasible.

Innovation Solution

A joint mechanism connects the upper laser frame to a more rigid upper press frame, allowing the laser head to move independently while preventing sagging and vibration propagation, and switches states based on the working mode to maintain precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the upper laser frame is made more rigid to prevent bending and sagging, then the precision of laser working is improved, but the size and manufacturing cost of the device increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of laser workingVSAvoidsize of the device

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the upper laser frame with the upper press frame through a joint mechanism. The press frame, which is inherently more rigid due to its structural design for withstanding press forces, is utilized to support the laser frame. This merging allows the laser frame to benefit from the press frame's rigidity without needing to increase its own size or complexity, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while avoiding increased device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The upper press frame serves multiple functions: it supports the press mechanism for forming operations and simultaneously provides rigid support for the laser mechanism through the joint connection. This multi-functionality allows the same structural element to serve both pressing and laser support roles, eliminating the need for a separately reinforced laser frame and thus avoiding increased device size and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If the upper laser frame is made more rigid to prevent bending and sagging, then the precision of laser working is improved, but the manufacturing cost of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of laser workingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of the device

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the upper laser frame with the upper press frame through a joint mechanism. The press frame, which is inherently more rigid due to its structural design for withstanding press forces, is utilized to support the laser frame. This merging allows the laser frame to benefit from the press frame's rigidity without needing to increase its own size or complexity, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while avoiding increased device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The upper press frame serves multiple functions: it supports the press mechanism for forming operations and simultaneously provides rigid support for the laser mechanism through the joint connection. This multi-functionality allows the same structural element to serve both pressing and laser support roles, eliminating the need for a separately reinforced laser frame and thus avoiding increased device size and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the upper laser frame is supported cantilevered to allow laser head movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the frame bends and sags causing precision loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser head movementVSAvoidvertical position of laser head

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic joint mechanism that can switch between connected and separated states. When connected, the joint provides rigid support to prevent frame bending and maintain laser head position precision. The system dynamically adapts by engaging or disengaging the joint based on operational requirements, thus maintaining both ease of operation and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The joint acts as an intermediary element between the upper laser frame and the upper press frame. It mediates the support function by providing rigid connection when needed to prevent sagging, while allowing the laser frame to remain relatively independent for ease of operation. The joint transfers the load from the laser frame to the more rigid press frame, preventing bending and position drift.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3967419B1Composite working machine

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 MURATA MASCH LTD

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AI summary

[Problem] To prevent an end of an upper laser frame of a laser frame from sagging downward. [Means to Solve Problem] A press frame 20 has a lower press frame 21, an upper press frame 22 that supports a press mechanism 10, and a vertical press frame 23. A laser frame 40 has a lower laser frame 41, an upper laser frame 42 that supports a laser mechanism 30, and a vertical laser frame 43 A transport space K1 for a workpiece W in the press frame 20 and a transport space K2 for the workpiece W in the laser frame 40 communicate with each other, the transportation in the spaces K1, K2 being performed by a transporter 60. The upper laser frame 42 includes a joint 50 that is arranged so as to extend from the vertical laser frame 43 toward the upper press frame 22 side while being spaced from the upper press frame 22, and that switches between a connected state where the upper press frame 22 and an end of the upper laser frame 42 are connected and a separated state where the connection therebetween is released.