Multi-Station Laser Machine With Independent Transport Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser processing machines have a short processing time, limiting the utilization of workpiece feeding and measurement periods, resulting in inefficient use of the laser processing tool.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing machine with multiple stations, including a processing station and a measuring station, equipped with a transport device featuring independent transport units that can move in two directions, allowing for simultaneous workpiece processing and measurement, increasing throughput and efficiency by enabling continuous operation of the laser processing tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single station is used for both measurement and laser processing, then the device structure is simple, but the laser processing tool cannot operate continuously as workpiece feeding and measurement time is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent stations: a first station for laser processing and a second station for measurement. This segmentation allows parallel operations where workpieces can be measured at the second station while other workpieces are processed at the first station, eliminating idle time and enabling continuous laser processing tool operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the operation by enabling parallel processing across multiple stations. Instead of sequential operations (measure then process), the system operates in parallel streams where measurement and processing occur simultaneously at different stations, effectively utilizing time as an additional resource dimension.
2Productivity
If transport units move in a single direction along a linear path, then the transport path is simple, but transport units cannot pass each other causing operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device adds a second spatial direction (transverse direction) to the linear transport path. Transport units can now move apart in this transverse direction to pass each other without collision, then return to their operational positions. This dimensional addition resolves the blocking problem and enables continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport paths are made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The transverse movement capability allows the system to adapt the transport unit positions in real-time to avoid collisions and maintain continuous flow, transforming static linear paths into dynamic multi-directional pathways.
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 machine significantly increases throughput and efficiency by allowing continuous operation of the laser processing tool, improving machining accuracy and productivity by enabling parallel processing and measurement tasks.
Implementation Method 1
The laser processing machine comprises at least one first station at which a laser processing tool is provided and at which the workpiece is processed using the laser processing tool
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a laser machine tool for removing material from a workpiece, comprising a first station (III) in which a laser tool (4) is provided and in which the workpiece is machined by the laser tool (4), at least one second station (II) in which the workpiece is measured and/or machined, and a conveyor (5) for moving the workpiece between the first station (III) and the second station (II), wherein the conveyor (5) comprises at least two conveyor units (6, 7) that can be independently moved in two different directions (x, y) in such a way that the conveyor units (6, 7) can be moved past one another in a first direction (x) along which the first and second stations (III, II) are arranged.