Laser-Marking Cutting Station for Continuous Frame Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting stations for profiled elements, such as window and door frames, face inefficiencies due to large and separate marking assemblies that disrupt the machining process, leading to increased timelines, costs, and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A cutting station integrated with a compact laser marking assembly that can engrave identification marks directly on the profiled elements during or after cutting, eliminating the need for consumables and allowing continuous operation without interrupting the machining process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional marking assembly is used, then identification marking can be performed, but the marking assembly requires large dimensions and must be placed at a distance from the cutting assembly, causing the machining process to be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the marking assembly with the cutting assembly into a single integrated unit. The marking device is positioned on the cutting assembly's support structure, allowing both cutting and marking operations to be performed in sequence without moving the profiled element between separate stations. This eliminates interruptions and reduces production timelines while maintaining marking accuracy through the marking assembly's dedicated positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: cutting the profiled element and subsequently positioning it for marking operations. The support structure serves both the cutting tool and the marking assembly, allowing the same mechanical platform to handle both operations without requiring separate dedicated structures, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing marking capability.
2Measurement precision
If a traditional marking assembly is used, then identification can be applied, but the process requires paper and ink consumables that need frequent replacement and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical marking system (labeling machine or ink printer) with a laser marking assembly. The laser device uses optical energy to directly etch or mark the identification onto the profiled element surface, eliminating the need for paper labels, ink, and associated mechanical feeding mechanisms. This substitution reduces consumable requirements and maintenance costs while maintaining precise identification capability through the laser's controlled beam positioning.
3Ease of operation
If the marking assembly is placed at a distance from the cutting assembly, then the cutting tool movement is not hindered, but the profiled element must be further moved and positioned, resulting in discontinuous machining and longer timelines
Solution Approach 1:
The marking assembly is integrated onto the cutting assembly's support structure, positioned such that it does not interfere with the cutting tool's path. The marking device is arranged on the side or top of the support structure, allowing the cutting tool to move freely along its trajectory while the marking assembly remains stationary or moves in coordination. This integration eliminates the need to transfer the profiled element between separate cutting and marking stations, making the machining process continuous and reducing overall timelines.
4Measurement precision
If a traditional marking assembly with numerous moving components is used, then marking can be performed, but jams occur due to the presence of numerous moving components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical marking system with a laser-based marking assembly. The laser device uses optical fields and electromagnetic energy to perform marking without mechanical contact with the workpiece. This eliminates moving components such as label feed mechanisms, ink delivery systems, and mechanical positioning arms that are prone to jams and failures. The laser system achieves reliable operation through non-contact marking, with only minimal moving parts for beam steering and focusing, significantly improving operational reliability.
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 solution reduces production timelines and costs by enabling simultaneous cutting and marking, improving production yields and eliminating the need for paper and ink, while maintaining high marking accuracy and precision.
Implementation Method 1
at least one laser marking assembly 22 associated with the basic structure 2 and adapted to emit at least one laser beam R towards the profiled element P in order to engrave at least one identification mark on the profiled element itself
Data Source
AI summary
The cutting station (1) for profiled elements, particularly for window and door frames, comprises one basic structure (2), one line of movement (3, 4) of one profiled element (P) associated with the basic structure (2) and adapted to move the profiled element (P) along a direction of movement (D) in order to displace it with respect to the basic structure (2), and one cutting assembly (5) associated with the basic structure (2), arranged along the direction of movement (D) and adapted to cut the profiled element (P) according to at least one angle of width comprised between 10° and 170° with respect to the longitudinal direction to obtain at least two portions of profiled element (P1, P2), wherein the station (1) comprises one laser marking assembly (22) associated with said basic structure (2) and adapted to emit one laser beam (R) towards the profiled element (P) in order to engrave one identification mark on the profiled element itself.