Movable Ducting Junction for Chip Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cutting machines with thermal cutting heads and machining operations face challenges in efficiently extracting waste, particularly sharp metal chips, due to the binding of chips on flexible ducts and the limitations of existing conveyor systems, which are not effective for large machines or steel cutting.
Innovation Solution
A cutting machine waste extraction apparatus featuring a movable ducting system with solid metal ducting and a junction apparatus using a flexible belt supported by rollers, allowing waste to be directed from a vertical plane to a horizontal plane, enabling efficient transfer and extraction of chips and coolant through a network of interconnected ducts with movable junctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible plastic duct with spiral steel reinforcing is used to extract chips, then the duct can be flexible and easy to position, but the sharp hot chips bind to the flexible duct and block it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible belt made of heat-resistant material that can flexibly cover the duct opening while withstanding high temperatures and sharp chips, replacing the inadequate flexible plastic duct with a more robust flexible structure
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible belt is designed as a replaceable component that can be easily replaced when worn or damaged, providing a cost-effective solution compared to maintaining complex rigid ducting systems
2Device complexity
If a fixed conveyor system is used to move chips, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot move to the localised chip production point on large machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed conveyor system into a dynamic system where the duct opening can move with the cutting head, allowing chip extraction to follow the localized production point while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The ducting system is segmented into movable and fixed portions, allowing the opening to follow the cutting head while the main ducting structure remains stationary and simple
3Reliability
If the ducting system is made rigid to prevent chip binding, then chip extraction reliability improves, but the system cannot adapt to the movement of the cutting head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines rigid ducting for reliability with a movable opening mechanism that allows the system to dynamically follow the cutting head position, achieving both chip extraction reliability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The ducting system is divided into rigid fixed portions for structural integrity and a movable opening portion that can follow the cutting head, allowing each segment to fulfill its specific function
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 system effectively removes waste from large combined machining and thermal cutting machines by using solid metal ducting that can move in multiple axes, preventing chip binding and allowing for efficient extraction of sharp metal chips without manual intervention, suitable for machines with extensive travel ranges.
Implementation Method 1
the ducting being shaped to have at least one movable flexible belt located to cover and seal the ducting
Implementation Method 2
these chips can be extracted from the surface of the plate by applying a vacuum to a flexible plastic duct
Data Source
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AI summary
A cutting machine waste extraction apparatus is for a cutting machine for cutting in horizontal planes which produces waste such as and chips and coolant at a cutting area on a cutting table. The cutting machine waste extraction apparatus includes ducting system and junction apparatus such that waste from cutting can be removed from the cutting area through a movable ducting system. The movable ducting system is constructed to receive and direct waste from the cutting area, up a vertical plane to a horizontal plane. A portion of the ducting system is fluidly connected by the junction apparatus to another portion of the ducting system, whereby in the horizontal plane at least a portion of the ducting is able to move with respect to other ducting. The junction apparatus includes a movable junction ducting for directing waste flow from one direction to be directed to another direction in a ducting. The ducting is shaped to have at least one movable flexible belt located to cover and seal the ducting. The junction apparatus includes said belt being movably supported by rollers to be slidably raised above a portion of the ducting to allow the junction apparatus to be movable along the ducting to allow waste therein while being continuously fluidly sealed.