Machining Centre Fluid Jet Cutting Device Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing numerically controlled machining centers for cutting slabs, such as ceramic, metal, or glass, face limitations in cutting area and precision due to the fixed distance between the cutting nozzle and disc, leading to increased weight and complexity in controlling movements, which hampers precise cutting operations.
Innovation Solution
A machining center with a support plane and a machining unit that moves along orthogonal axes, allowing the fluid jet cutting device to rotate and move independently, thereby increasing the cutting area and reducing overall dimensions, enabling more precise and efficient cutting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the distance between the cutting nozzle and disc is increased to compensate for the fixed position limitation, then the cutting area is expanded, but the weight of the machining unit increases and movement control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the distance between the cutting nozzle and disc variable through the introduction of a second degree of freedom. The nozzle can now move independently along the Z-axis relative to the disc, transforming a static fixed-distance arrangement into a dynamic adjustable-distance system. This enables the machining unit to maintain optimal cutting conditions across a larger area without permanently increasing its weight or complexity, as the adjustments can be made during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the overall dimensions and stroke of the machining unit are increased to enable tilted cutting operations, then the cutting capability is improved, but the total weight of the machining centre increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing an independent degree of freedom for the cutting nozzle along the Z-axis. This allows the nozzle to be positioned at various heights relative to the disc, enabling tilted and adjusted cutting operations without requiring the entire machining unit to have increased dimensions or weight. The localized movement capability provides versatility while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by adding a second degree of freedom to the nozzle positioning system. Instead of only moving the nozzle along one axis (Y-axis) with the disc, the invention enables independent movement along the Z-axis as well. This dimensional addition allows for tilted cutting operations and expanded cutting areas without proportionally increasing the overall machine dimensions or weight.
3Area of stationary object
If the machining unit is made more complex to control movements over larger distances, then the cutting area is expanded, but the precision of cutting operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a dynamic positioning system with two degrees of freedom for the cutting nozzle. The independent Z-axis movement capability allows the nozzle to be precisely positioned at any height relative to the disc, maintaining control precision while expanding the effective cutting area. The system can adapt its configuration during operation to optimize precision for different cutting tasks without requiring overly complex control mechanisms.
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 enhances the machining center's cutting area and precision, reduces weight and complexity, and allows for easier control of movements, improving the fluid jet cutting device's performance and adaptability for various cutting tasks.
Implementation Method 1
The cutting nozzle 103 is drivable to dispense a water jet, mixed with abrasive powder, at high speed/pressure to cut the object/the slab in the cutting area along the cutting direction 106
Data Source
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AI summary
A machining centre (1) is disclosed for cutting an object in the form of a slab comprising a support plane (2) arranged to support the object, a machining unit (3) provided with a cutting tool (4) that is rotatable to cut the object, and with a fluid jet cutting device (5) that is also drivable to cut the object. The machining unit (3) is movable with respect to the support plane (2) along a first axis (Y), a second axis (Z) and a third axis (X) of a triad of orthogonal axes (Y, Z, X) to move the cutting tool (4) and the fluid jet cutting device (5) to/from said support plane, the machining unit (3) is further rotatable about a first rotation axis (R) to rotate the cutting tool (4) and the fluid jet cutting device (5) with respect to the support plane (2). The machining unit (3) is provided with a handling device (6) arranged to support and to move the fluid jet cutting device (5) with respect to the fluid jet cutting device (5) at least along a direction that is transverse to the first axis of rotation (R).