Laser Cut Path Allocation for Shared Cutting Between Part Graphics

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for generating allocation data for cutting multiple parts from a material using a laser processing machine are complex and require experienced operators, as they involve setting shared cutting lines and displacement directions based on the beam diameter, making it difficult for inexperienced operators to perform the allocation operation effectively.

Innovation Solution

A processing program generation device and method that aggregates part graphics by setting shared cutting lines and external shape cutting lines, allowing for easy allocation of cut paths without requiring displacement direction settings, thereby simplifying the operation for both experienced and inexperienced operators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If part graphics are positioned close to each other with distance equal to beam diameter to increase parts per material, then material usage rate is improved, but cut path allocation becomes extremely complicated requiring experienced operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of parts cut from materialVSAvoidcut path allocation operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines cut path allocation by analyzing the cutting directions of adjacent part graphics and identifying shared cutting lines. The computer automatically assigns which adjacent graphic cuts the shared line based on the propagation direction, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention in complex allocation decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an automated allocation determination mechanism that acts as an intermediary between part graphic positioning and laser cutting execution. This intermediary automatically resolves the complex allocation logic by considering cutting directions and shared lines, simplifying the operator's task to merely positioning parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If shared cutting lines are used between adjacent part graphics to reduce redundant cutting, then cutting efficiency is improved, but operator complexity increases due to displacement direction settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidallocation operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines which adjacent part graphic should cut the shared cutting line by analyzing the cutting propagation directions. The computer self-determines the allocation based on the geometric relationships and cutting directions, eliminating the need for operators to manually set displacement directions and shared cutting line assignments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual operator judgment and setting operations with automated computer-based logic. The allocation determination is performed through algorithmic analysis of cutting directions and shared lines rather than manual mechanical adjustment by operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If inexperienced operators perform cut path allocation without automated assistance, then operational flexibility is maintained, but allocation accuracy and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator flexibilityVSAvoidallocation correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides automated allocation determination that works consistently for all operators regardless of experience level. The computer automatically analyzes cutting directions and determines shared cutting line allocation, providing reliable and correct results without requiring operator expertise in complex allocation logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automated feedback by analyzing the cutting directions and part graphic positions, then determining the appropriate allocation. This feedback mechanism ensures that correct allocation is always determined based on the geometric relationships, regardless of operator skill level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3778105B1Processing program generation device and processing program generation method
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 AMADA CO LTD
  • EP3778105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3778105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3778105B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A shared cut setter (103) sets shared cutting set lines to two part graphics. A part graphic position controller (110) causes the two part graphics to be spaced apart from each other by a distance of a beam diameter. An expanded external shape line setter (112) sets expanded external shape lines to positions in which external shape lines of the two part graphics are expanded by a distance of a half of by the beam diameter. A shared cutting line setter (113) sets one of mutually overlapped line segments of the two expanded external shape lines as a shared cutting line. An external shape cutting line setter (114) sets a portion of the two expanded external shape lines from which the mutually overlapped line segments are excluded as external shape cutting lines of aggregated part graphics. An allocation setter (115) allocates a cut path to the external shape cutting line and the shared cutting line by a laser beam and generates allocation data of the aggregated part graphics.