Laser Window Cutting in Security Paper With Continuous Cut Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for opening windows in paper currency, such as rotary punch and die technology and laser systems, face issues with downtime, paper waste, and difficulty in adjusting to format or geometry changes, leading to inefficient and costly operations.
Innovation Solution
A laser system with multiple high-power laser heads, scanners, and advanced suction and blowing mechanisms, along with optical sensors and transverse supports, enables precise and continuous cutting of windows in paper currency, minimizing downtime and paper loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotary punch and die technology is used to cut windows in paper currency, then the cutting process is mechanically simple, but the punches lose their properties over time requiring full machine stoppage and tool replacement, causing substantial downtime and significant loss of paper currency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical punch and die system with a laser-based cutting system. The laser beam eliminates the need for physical punches that wear out, allowing continuous operation without tool replacement. The laser can be precisely controlled to cut windows in paper currency without the mechanical contact and wear associated with traditional punching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cutting method from mechanical force to thermal energy. By using laser radiation with specific power, focal distance, and spot size parameters, the system achieves clean cuts without mechanical contact. The laser parameters (power between 50-500W, focal distance 100-300mm, spot size 0.1-0.5mm) can be adjusted to optimize cutting performance without physical tool wear.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotary punch and die technology is used, then the equipment structure is simple, but adjusting to different window geometries or paper sizes requires changing all punches, which is difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities to the cutting system. The laser parameters (power, focal distance, scanning speed, spot size) can be dynamically adjusted during operation to accommodate different window geometries, sizes, and paper dimensions. This eliminates the need for physical tool changes and allows rapid reconfiguration through software control.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser cutting system serves multiple functions: it can cut windows of various geometries, adjust to different paper sizes, and modify cutting parameters on-the-fly. A single laser system replaces multiple specialized punches, providing universal capability across different cutting requirements without requiring separate tools for each configuration.
3Manufacturing precision
If laser systems with micro-perforation capability are used, then the cutting precision is improved, but the system only creates point micro-perforations rather than continuous clean cuts, and the suction system is inadequate for evacuating larger paper pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the micro-perforation approach with a continuous laser cutting process. Instead of creating discrete points, the laser beam moves continuously along the cutting path, melting and vaporizing material to create smooth, continuous cuts. This substitution of cutting mechanism enables both precision and continuity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances the suction system with a specialized vacuum device featuring grooved support surfaces and suction openings positioned directly below the cutting area. This pneumatic system effectively evacuates the larger paper windows and combustion byproducts generated by continuous laser cutting, overcoming the limitations of micro-perforation suction systems.
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 laser system provides a maintenance-free operation for up to 20,000 hours, reduces downtime, and allows for flexible adjustments in note format and window geometry, ensuring high precision and cleanliness of cuts without the need for frequent tool changes.
Implementation Method 1
a laser head for making the cut in said security paper by focusing a laser beam onto a specific spot of the security paper
Implementation Method 2
focusing a laser beam onto a specific spot of the security paper
Implementation Method 3
a suction device for removing combustion byproducts and cut pieces from the cutting area
Data Source
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AI summary
Laser system for the generation of windows (20) in security paper (10, 10') that comprises: - guiding and transporting means (140, 150, 151) of the security paper along a path through the interior of said laser system; - laser cutting means along said path of the security paper (10, 10'); - suction means comprising at least one suction mouth (180), located along said path of the security paper (10, 10'). In addition, the laser system comprises: - laser control means configured so said laser cutting means generate the window (20) in the security paper (10, 10') by means of a continuous cut according to a pre-established pattern and a pre-established cutting area; and wherein: - said suction means are located below the security paper (10, 10') below said cutting area to suction the window cut from the security paper after the cut made by the laser cutting means.