Moving Suction Duct for Laser Cutting Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece processing systems, such as laser cutting systems, face challenges in effectively removing debris and dust from the cutting area without obstructing the beam path or requiring large, costly suction units.
Innovation Solution
A cutting machine with a suction duct that moves in coordination with the cutting head, featuring a small suction volume and offset suction openings for uniform suction, allowing structures below the workpiece support and using a force-limited connection to prevent damage from obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If large volume stationary suction chambers are used to remove debris and dust, then debris removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is segmented into multiple smaller suction chambers positioned along the suction duct, each serving a specific zone. This segmentation allows effective debris removal without requiring a single large stationary chamber, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction duct and chambers are made movable to follow the cutting head's position dynamically. This dynamic configuration replaces large stationary chambers with a compact moving system that maintains optimal suction positioning throughout the cutting process, reducing device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If suction chambers are positioned beneath the workpiece support, then debris removal is effective, but the beam path is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is positioned in the vertical dimension beneath the workpiece support, allowing the beam to pass through the horizontal space without obstruction. This spatial arrangement in another dimension enables both effective debris removal and uninterrupted beam path.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction chambers are extracted from the beam path area and positioned only in the vertical space beneath the workpiece support. This extraction ensures that the beam path remains clear while the suction system operates effectively in the separated spatial zone.
3Productivity
If the suction duct follows the cutting head with a separate drive, then debris removal tracking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction duct is merged with the motion unit structure, sharing the same drive system that moves the cutting head. This merging eliminates the need for a separate drive mechanism, reducing device complexity while maintaining synchronized tracking of the cutting head for effective debris removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion unit's drive system serves multiple functions: it moves both the cutting head and the suction duct. This universal drive system reduces overall device complexity by eliminating redundant components while ensuring the suction duct follows the cutting head effectively throughout the cutting process.
4Device complexity
If a compact suction duct with small volume is used, then cost and device complexity are reduced, but suction effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suction duct features locally optimized quality with strategically positioned suction openings and chambers at critical locations along its length. This local quality enhancement ensures effective debris removal in each zone despite the overall compact size, maintaining suction effectiveness while reducing total volume and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction duct employs flexible bellows that can expand and contract to maintain sealing while accommodating movement. This flexible design allows the compact duct to maintain its suction volume and effectiveness during motion without requiring a large rigid structure, preserving debris removal effectiveness in a compact form.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective removal of dust and debris during cutting operations while allowing machine components below the workpiece support within the beam path, using a compact and inexpensive vacuum unit.
Implementation Method 1
applying suction through the opening of the suction duct
Implementation Method 2
The sealing device may include, for example, a pair of bellows, each bellow having two ends and being connected at one of its ends to the output duct
Implementation Method 3
the shaft is hollow and is connected to a flow of liquid coolant
Implementation Method 4
configured to absorb energy from the cutting beam when the cutting head is in operation
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting machine includes a suction duct that is movable with a cutting head of the cutting machine, using a common drive. The suction duct is disposed beneath the workpiece support and coupled to the motion unit supporting the cutting head so that it moves with the motion unit while an opening of the suction duct remains positioned below the cutting head during a cutting operation. The suction duct removes cutting debris and dust, and protects underlying machine components from beam damage.