Laser Machine Housing With Movable Dividing Wall for Flexible Workspaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser processing machine housings with separate work spaces lack flexibility in accommodating work pieces of varying dimensions, as the dividing wall restricts the ability to process large work pieces and simultaneously load/unload pieces in the other work space.
Innovation Solution
A housing with a dividing wall that can be variably positioned among multiple operating positions, allowing the dimensions of the work spaces to be adjusted, and a control system that manages entrance doors and a covering device to ensure safe and efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dividing wall is used to separate work spaces, then operator safety is improved by screening laser radiations, but flexibility in accommodating work pieces of varying dimensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dividing wall is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned or removed based on the size of work pieces to be processed. This dynamic configuration enables the housing to adapt between having separate work spaces (for safety during processing) and having a larger combined space (for accommodating larger work pieces), thus resolving the contradiction between safety and flexibility.
2Productivity
If a dividing wall separates work spaces, then simultaneous processing and loading/unloading operations are enabled, but the ability to process large work pieces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable dividing wall allows the system to dynamically switch between two operational modes: when the wall is in place, simultaneous processing and loading/unloading can occur in separate spaces; when the wall is removed or repositioned, large work pieces can be accommodated in the combined space. This resolves the contradiction by making the separation dynamic rather than static.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the dividing wall is removed to treat larger work pieces, then adaptability is improved, but the ability to carry out simultaneous processing and loading/unloading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable dividing wall enables the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs. When larger work pieces need to be processed, the wall can be removed or repositioned to create a larger combined space. When simultaneous processing and loading/unloading are needed, the wall can be positioned to create separate work spaces, thus maintaining productivity.
4Device complexity
If fixed work space dimensions are used, then housing structure is simplified, but flexibility in processing work pieces of various dimensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable dividing wall adds minimal complexity to the housing structure while significantly improving adaptability. The wall can be repositioned or removed to accommodate work pieces of various dimensions, allowing the same housing to handle both small and large work pieces without requiring multiple fixed configurations or entirely different housing designs.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A housing (4) for a laser processing machine (1) is described to treat work pieces (2). The housing (4) comprises a dividing wall (9), which separates a first work space (7) having a first length (E1) and a second work space (8) having a second length (E2) from one another, a first entrance (17) to allow access to the first work space (7), a second entrance (18) to allow access to the second work space (8), a closing device (19; 20), which is configured to selectively open and close the first entrance (17) and the second entrance (18) and a control unit, which is operatively connected to the closing device (19; 20). The dividing wall (9) is placeable in an operating position, which is variable among at least a first position, a second position and a third position. The control unit is configured to control the closing device (19; 20) as a function of the operating position of the dividing wall (9).