Laser Workstation Endless Loop Conveyor Door Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser processing systems have independent sequential operations for door movement and workpiece transfer, leading to minimized coordination and increased lost laser operation time, preventing a linear flow of workpieces through the processing unit.
Innovation Solution
A laser processing unit with a flexible endless loop and movable doors that form laser light-tight seals, allowing synchronized operation with workpiece conveyors to enable linear or reciprocating movement of workpieces, minimizing lost laser operation time and facilitating a continuous flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional independent sequential operations are used for door movement and workpiece transfer, then operational simplicity is maintained, but lost laser operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the door movement operation with the workpiece transfer operation by coordinating them through a shared control system. The movable door is triggered to open or close based on the position of the workpiece on the conveyor, combining two previously independent sequential operations into a coordinated system that reduces idle time while maintaining manageable complexity through integrated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the movable door in anticipation of workpiece arrival. The door is triggered to open before the workpiece reaches the loading/unloading position and closes immediately after the workpiece passes through, eliminating waiting time and ensuring the laser enclosure is sealed during processing without requiring complex real-time coordination.
2Productivity
If movable doors are used for access to laser enclosure, then ease of operation is improved, but coordination with workpiece conveyor is insufficient and linear flow is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where sensors detect the position of workpieces on the conveyor and automatically trigger the movable door to open or close accordingly. This feedback loop enables the door operation to be synchronized with the conveyor without manual coordination, maintaining ease of operation while achieving continuous linear flow of workpieces through the laser processing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable door transitions from a static barrier to a dynamic component that automatically adjusts its position based on workpiece conveyor status. The door opens dynamically when a workpiece approaches the loading/unloading position and closes dynamically when the position is clear, enabling continuous linear flow while requiring minimal operational intervention.
3Ease of operation
If door opens and closes for workpiece transfer, then access to enclosure is enabled, but laser operation time is lost and cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable door is triggered to open in advance before the workpiece reaches the loading/unloading position, allowing the workpiece to be transferred without waiting for the door to be manually opened. The door closes immediately after the workpiece passes through, minimizing the time the laser enclosure is open and reducing lost laser operation time while maintaining easy workpiece access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system rushes the door operation through as quickly as possible - the door opens briefly just long enough for the workpiece to pass through the enclosure and closes immediately afterward. This minimizes the interruption to laser operation while still enabling workpiece transfer, effectively skipping the extended door-open period that would otherwise increase cycle time.
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 allows for a linear flow of workpieces through the laser processing unit, reducing downtime and enabling integration into assembly line environments, while maintaining a safe and efficient laser processing environment.
Implementation Method 1
A seal projection is attached to the flexible endless loop for concurrent movement with the workpiece. The seal projection forms a laser light-tight seal with the first movable door when the workpiece is located in the workpiece loading station and forms a laser light-tight seal with the second movable door when the workpiece is located in the laser workstation.
Data Source
AI summary
A laser processing unit includes a workpiece loading station, and a laser workstation having a laser robot that performs a laser operation. A flexible endless loop extends from the loading station through the workstation for delivering a workpiece from the loading station to the workstation. A first stationary wall section separates the workstation from the loading station. A second stationary wall section is offset from the first stationary wall section. A first movable door is configured to form a laser light-tight seal with the first stationary wall section. A second movable door configured to form a laser light-tight seal with the second stationary wall section. A seal projection is attached to the flexible endless loop. The seal projection forms a laser light-tight seal with the first movable door when the workpiece is located in the loading station and forms a laser light-tight seal with the second movable door when the workpiece is located in the workstation.