Modular Automated Panel Cutter for Portable Precision Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing panel saws are either inflexible for use at different construction sites or require manual handling, lacking in portability and automation for efficient cutting operations.

Innovation Solution

A portable automated panel cutter with a support frame and motorized carriage system that allows for precise control of a power cutter in three-dimensional space and orientation, enabling automated cutting of various geometric shapes without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If stationary automated panel saws are used, then cutting precision and automation are improved, but portability and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The automated panel saw is divided into separable modular components including a frame assembly, carriage assembly, tool holder assembly, and power cutter assembly. Each module can be independently assembled, disassembled, and transported, enabling the system to maintain automated cutting precision while being portable and adaptable to different construction sites.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual panel cutters are used, then portability is improved, but automation and cutting efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidcutting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automated control mechanisms including motors for carriage movement, tool holder positioning, and power cutter control. The controller automatically coordinates these components based on input data to perform cutting operations without manual intervention during the cutting process, thereby maintaining portability while significantly improving cutting efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex automated systems are used, then cutting capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of assembly deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting capabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into standardized modular assemblies with defined interfaces. The frame assembly, carriage assembly, tool holder assembly, and power cutter assembly can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled together using standardized connection mechanisms, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining advanced cutting capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular assemblies are designed with universal interfaces and standardized components that can be reused across different configurations and applications. This universality simplifies assembly procedures and reduces the need for specialized parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatile cutting capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3962686B1Portable automated panel cutter
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 KOBOTS APS
  • EP3962686B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3962686B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3962686B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

The invention relates to a portable automated panel cutter comprising a plurality of frame profile are releasably connected to form a support frame defining an inner support area. A carriage releasably mounted to the frame comprising a tool holder carriage movable in a second direction (Y) relative to the inner support area. The carriage is movable in a first direction (X) relative to the inner support area. A tool holder releasably mounted to the tool holder carriage. A power cutter releasably mounted to the tool holder, the power cutter is movable in a third direction (Z) relative to the inner support area and in an angle (φ) around the third direction (Z). Finally, the panel cutter comprises a controller configured for receiving input data and based hereon control the position (X, Y, Z) and orientation (φ) of the power cutter.