Laser Plotter Table Venting for Large Workpiece Fume Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser plotters face limitations in extracting exhaust gases during cutting or engraving processes, particularly for large flat workpieces, as suction devices either restrict mobility or cannot be integrated into the housing due to the need for gases to be extracted upwards.
Innovation Solution
A laser plotter design featuring an airtight processing table with a suction channel below the surface, parallel to it, forming an air flow that directs exhaust gases to a specific extraction opening, allowing for efficient gas removal without restricting the carriage's mobility and enabling integration of a large extraction system within the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If an extraction hose is arranged on the focusing unit, then exhaust gases can be extracted during processing, but the mobility and travel speed of the focusing unit are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction device is completely separated from the moving focusing unit and extracted out to the housing structure. The suction openings are integrated into the housing below the processing table, allowing exhaust gas extraction without any connection to the carriage or focusing unit, thus eliminating the mobility restriction entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction system operates in a different spatial dimension - below the processing table rather than above or with the focusing unit. By positioning suction openings in the housing floor and creating a suction channel underneath the workpiece, the system extracts gases from a different dimensional space, avoiding interference with the focusing unit's movement
2Object-generated harmful factors
If extraction is performed via an extraction bar arranged above the workpiece, then exhaust gases can be removed, but large flat workpieces cannot be processed and integration into the housing is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extracting exhaust gases from above the workpiece as in conventional systems, this invention inverts the extraction direction by positioning suction openings below the processing table and drawing gases upward through the workpiece area. This inverted approach allows processing of large flat workpieces that would otherwise not fit under an extraction bar, and enables integration of the extraction system into the housing structure
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it contains the processing space, supports the processing table, and integrates the extraction system. The suction openings in the housing floor serve both as structural elements and as the extraction interface, eliminating the need for separate extraction bars or external extraction equipment
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the processing table has a perforated plate or grid design, then exhaust gases can be extracted downwards, but air flow control and extraction efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a uniform perforated plate design, the invention uses a solid processing table surface with localized suction openings positioned strategically in the housing below the table. This localized approach creates focused suction zones that improve extraction efficiency by directing airflow precisely where needed, rather than relying on diffuse extraction through numerous small holes
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 design enhances exhaust gas routing, ensuring effective and cost-effective extraction of gases parallel to the workpiece surface, maintaining processing speed and allowing for the handling of larger workpieces without air leakage or spread, while providing a clear view and adaptable support.
Implementation Method 1
an extraction device for generating an air stream in a processing space (8) of the laser plotter (2) in order to extract the exhaust gases (25) generated during the laser process
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a laser plotter (2) for working through a job for cutting, engraving, marking and/or writing on a preferably planar workpiece (7), the laser plotter comprising at least one housing (3) with a preferably sealable processing space (8) for positioning a workpiece (7) on a processing table (9), at least one beam source in the form of a laser (5, 6), and a controller (13) for controlling the carriage (14) which is preferably operated via a belt drive and which has displaceably arranged thereon a focussing unit (12) designed to deflect a laser beam (10) in the direction of the workpiece (7), wherein an extraction apparatus (1) which uses the generation of an airflow (26) to extract the exhaust gases (25) that arise during the laser process is arranged in the processing space (8) below the processing table (9), in particular below a bearing surface (27) of the processing table (9). The processing table (9) is designed such that the bearing surface (27) of the processing table (9) is formed all over, particularly in air-tight fashion, and that an extraction channel (27) is arranged below the bearing surface (27), preferably in a manner parallel to the bearing surface (27), for the purposes of forming an airflow (26) and ends in an extraction opening (29), wherein the extraction channel (27) is connected to the processing space (8) by way of at least one extraction opening (28, 29) for the purposes of extracting the exhaust gases or vapours (25) that arise during the laser process.