Multi-Gantry Laser Cutting Layout for Thick Foil Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser cutting machines for aluminum foils with thicknesses over 0.25 mm are inefficient, failing to meet online production requirements due to lower cutting efficiency compared to laser galvanometers, which are used for thinner foils.

Innovation Solution

A multi-gantry asynchronous precision laser cutting machine with a horizontally arranged lathe bed, longitudinal beams, and gantry cutting mechanisms, featuring bilateral linear motors, a collision-prevention system, and organ-type shields, allowing for simultaneous cutting of identical or different patterns and large formats through splicing and crossbeam collaboration, enhancing efficiency and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a laser cutting head with gantry structure is used to cut aluminum foils with thickness greater than 0.25 mm, then the cutting capability for thicker materials is improved, but the cutting efficiency decreases significantly compared to laser galvanometer cutting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting capability for different foil thicknessesVSAvoidcutting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting machine is divided into multiple independent gantry cutting mechanisms (first, second, third, and fourth gantries) that can operate simultaneously or independently. Each gantry is equipped with its own laser cutting head and control system, allowing parallel processing of different cutting tasks - high-speed galvanometer cutting for thin foils and high-power laser cutting for thick foils, thereby resolving the efficiency-capability contradiction through functional segmentation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting machine system is designed to perform multiple cutting functions using different gantry mechanisms. The system can switch between or combine galvanometer-based cutting (for thin foils up to 0.25mm) and laser cutting head operations (for thick foils over 0.25mm), making the system universally applicable to various foil thicknesses while maintaining high efficiency through the use of appropriate cutting methods for each thickness range

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

2Productivity

If multiple gantry cutting mechanisms are arranged to process large formats and improve efficiency, then the processing capacity is improved, but the risk of collision between gantries increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidcollision risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A collision prevention control system is implemented that continuously monitors the positions and movement states of multiple gantry cutting mechanisms through sensors and control signals. The system provides real-time feedback to adjust gantry movements, detect potential collision risks, and trigger alarm or emergency stop functions, thereby enabling safe parallel operation of multiple gantries to improve processing capacity without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The collision prevention mechanism takes preliminary protective action by establishing virtual or physical boundaries for each gantry's operating space, pre-programming collision avoidance paths, and setting up sensor-based detection zones before collisions can occur. This proactive approach prevents collisions rather than merely responding to them, allowing multiple gantries to operate in close proximity with improved processing capacity while maintaining high reliability through preemptive safety measures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 machine achieves improved work efficiency, expanded processing range, and online unmanned processing capabilities while ensuring safety through collision prevention measures, effectively addressing the inefficiencies of existing cutting machines.

Implementation Method 1

a first linear motor parallel to the first guide rail is arranged at the top of the one longitudinal beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motor: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 2

a laser cutting head connected to the lifting mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS20240399507A1Multi-gantry asynchronous precision laser cutting machine
Publication Date: 2024.12.05 TAICANG MANAFLEX TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US20240399507A1 patent drawing
  • US20240399507A1 patent drawing
  • US20240399507A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-gantry asynchronous precision laser cutting machine, comprising a horizontally arranged lathe bed, a longitudinal beam and a number of gantry cutting mechanisms; the gantry cutting mechanism comprises a crossbeam, a lifting mechanism and a laser cutting head; a first guide rail is arranged at the top of each of the two longitudinal beams; a first linear motor is arranged at the top of the one longitudinal beam; connecting bases are arranged at the bottom of each end of the crossbeam; the connecting base is connected to a slider of the first guide rail and an actuator component of the first linear motor; a second guide rail is arranged on the side of the crossbeam; a second linear motor is arranged at the top of the crossbeam; the lifting mechanism is connected to a slider of the second guide rail and an actuator component of the second linear motor through a first sliding base; the lifting mechanism comprises a servomotor and a second sliding base; and the laser cutting head is fixed to the second sliding base. The multi-gantry asynchronous precision laser cutting machine disclosed in the present invention is characterized by a compact structure, which improves work efficiency and expands the processing range of the cutting machine.