Laser Cutting Head Height Control for Continuous Sheet Strip Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cutting sheet metal blanks from continuously conveyed sheet metal strips are time-consuming due to the need to switch off and on distance sensors and lift/lower the laser cutting head, and they cannot cut from the strip edge to the interior effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and device where a laser cutting head with a cutting nozzle is moved along a predetermined path, with cyclic distance measurement by a first distance measuring device at radially outer positions, ensuring continuous measurement and control of the nozzle's height, allowing cutting paths to be guided from the edge into the interior of the strip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance sensor system is switched off and the laser cutting head is lifted before reaching the strip edge, then collision with the strip edge is avoided, but the cutting process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of continuity by keeping the distance sensor system continuously operational and the laser cutting head at a constant height throughout the cutting process. The sensor measures distance values continuously even when the cutting nozzle is not yet in overlap with the strip, enabling real-time feedback control that maintains the nozzle at the optimal cutting distance without interruption or lifting, thus eliminating idle time while preventing collisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using the distance sensor to continuously measure the distance between the cutting nozzle and the strip surface, then feeding this information back to the control system which adjusts the nozzle position accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond to actual strip position and tension conditions in real-time, maintaining precise nozzle-to-strip distance without manual intervention or process interruption
2Productivity
If the cutting path starts from the strip edge and runs to the strip interior, then cutting efficiency is improved, but the distance sensor system does not provide usable distance values outside the sheet metal strip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the distance sensor begin measuring and the control system begin adjusting the nozzle position before the cutting nozzle actually reaches the strip edge. The sensor provides distance values in advance during the approach phase, enabling the control system to pre-position the nozzle at the correct height and maintain it throughout the cutting operation, ensuring measurement availability is not lost even when the nozzle is outside the strip boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the distance sensor as an intermediary that provides indirect measurement information about the strip position and surface conditions even when the cutting nozzle is not in direct contact with or overlap with the strip. The sensor acts as a mediator between the control system and the strip, providing the necessary distance data that enables precise nozzle positioning and cutting path control from the strip edge inward
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 approach reduces process time and enhances cutting efficiency by enabling continuous measurement and control, allowing for more flexible cutting paths and the production of sheet blanks with shorter travel paths.
Implementation Method 1
a first distance measuring device for cyclically measuring a distance between the cutting nozzle and a surface of the sheet metal strip
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for cutting a sheet metal blank from a sheet metal strip (1) continuously conveyed in a transport direction (T), by means of at least one laser cutting device (3), having the following steps:providing a laser cutting device (3) with at least one laser cutting head (5) which has a cutting nozzle (7) and which can be moved along a cutting path (S1, S2, S1′, S2′) specified so as to correspond to the geometry of the sheet metal blank by means of a controller (6), incrementally measuring the distance between the cutting nozzle (7) and the surface of the sheet metal strip (1) at at least one radially outer position (P1, P2) relative to the cutting nozzle (7) by means of a first distance measuring device (8),controlling the movement of the laser cutting head such that the first distance measuring device (8, 9) constantly remains overlapping the sheet metal strip (1), into a second position, in which the cutting nozzle is overlapping the sheet metal strip (1), wherein the height of the cutting nozzle (7) relative to the surface of the sheet metal strip (1) is regulated using the first distance values supplied by the first distance measuring device (8, 9) when the cutting nozzle (7) is moved from the first position in the direction of the second position.