Panel Cutting Start-Point Planning for Small-Part Holding

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Solution Overview

Problem

In panel cutting operations, small parts tend to be displaced due to reduced vacuum force, leading to incorrect cuts and compromised subsequent cutting performance, which is economically and production-process-wise onerous.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining the starting point of a cutting path for each piece to maximize holding during cutting, involving steps like selecting the central point of a side, defining material surrounding ranges, and calculating the maximum distance based on the cutting tool's diameter, to ensure precise positioning and sequencing of cuts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a high-speed rotating end mill is used to cut panel pieces, then cutting speed and productivity are improved, but the stress on small pieces causes them to displace from their position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting speedVSAvoidpiece positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The method determines the optimal starting point for cutting before the actual cutting operation begins. By calculating and selecting a starting point that maximizes the area of surrounding material, the piece is kept firmly attached to the panel during the initial stages of cutting, preventing displacement caused by the stress of high-speed cutting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of cutting sequence by determining a specific starting point based on the area of surrounding material. This parameter optimization ensures that cutting begins from a location that provides maximum structural support, allowing high-speed cutting to proceed without causing piece displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the cutting tool stresses the piece during high-speed rotation, then cutting efficiency is improved, but the piece may displace leading to incorrect cuts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidcutting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Before high-speed cutting begins, the method preliminarily determines the optimal starting point by calculating the area of surrounding material for each potential starting location. This preliminary analysis ensures that cutting starts from a position that maximizes piece stability, preventing displacement and ensuring cutting accuracy throughout the high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The method incorporates a feedback mechanism by evaluating the area of surrounding material and using this information to determine the optimal starting point. This feedback ensures that the cutting process begins from a location that provides maximum structural support, maintaining both cutting efficiency and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If small pieces are cut from the panel, then panel yield is improved, but the vacuum holding force on these small pieces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel yieldVSAvoidvacuum holding force
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The method preliminarily determines the optimal starting point for cutting small pieces by calculating the area of surrounding material. By selecting a starting point that maximizes this area, the piece remains firmly attached to the panel during cutting, compensating for the reduced vacuum holding force on small pieces and preventing displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the cutting parameter by optimizing the starting point selection based on the area of surrounding material. This parameter optimization ensures that even small pieces with reduced vacuum holding force are cut from a position that provides maximum structural support, maintaining both panel yield and cutting accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This method enhances the grip of small pieces during cutting, allowing for more precise and optimized cuts, reducing waste and improving production efficiency by maintaining pieces in position effectively.

Implementation Method 1

The panel to be worked rests on a sacrificial panel and is held in position by means capable of creating vacuum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP4306281A1Method for the improved cutting of panels and working center that implements such method
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 SCM GRP
  • EP4306281A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4306281A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4306281A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for cutting a panel (P), such as a panel made of wood, plastic, fiberglass and the like, wherein said panel (P) is arranged on a plane wherein said panel (P) has to be cut into a plurality of pieces (Ri), and wherein for each piece (Ri) to be cut by means of a cutting tool, such as a cutter and similar, said method comprises the step of: B. determining the starting point of a cutting path of each piece (Ri), so as to maximize the holding of said piece (Ri) during its cutting. The present invention also relates to a working center (1) configured to carry out the method for cutting a panel (P).