Panel Cutting Layout Using Circular Saw Geometry to Minimize Waste

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for cutting panels, such as those made of wood, plastic, metal, and glass, using circular blades for nesting processing result in unpredictable material waste due to the circular shape of the tool, leading to unnecessary cutting and inefficiencies in cutting patterns.

Innovation Solution

A machine equipped with a logic control unit that calculates a cutting pattern to minimize waste and maximize reusable portions by using a circular blade with a specific formula for cutting excess, allowing for precise control of a circular saw and potentially a second tool for breaking cuts, optimizing the cutting process based on panel thickness and blade radius.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a circular blade is used for nesting processing, then cutting capability is improved, but material waste becomes unpredictable and increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting capabilityVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The logic control unit calculates the cutting pattern in advance, taking into account the blade radius and panel thickness to determine the optimal cutting paths that minimize waste. This preliminary calculation allows the system to plan cuts that maximize reusable portions before the actual cutting process begins

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts cutting parameters based on the calculated cutting excess Ec = r + d/6, where r is the blade radius and d is the panel thickness. By modifying the cutting pattern parameters according to these calculated values, the system optimizes material utilization while maintaining cutting effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If a circular blade is used, then cutting speed is improved, but cutting precision and waste prediction become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting speedVSAvoidcutting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The logic control unit uses feedback from the calculated cutting excess Ec to adjust the cutting pattern. By continuously referencing the relationship between blade radius, panel thickness, and cutting excess, the system refines cutting paths to achieve precise results while maintaining high cutting speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting pattern is pre-calculated with precise consideration of the circular blade's geometry and its interaction with the panel thickness. This preliminary planning ensures that each cut is optimally positioned to maintain precision without sacrificing speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If cutting excess is calculated as equal to blade radius, then calculation simplicity is improved, but material waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation simplicityVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system modifies the cutting excess parameter from the simple approximation Ec = r to the more accurate Ec = r + d/6, where d is the panel thickness. This parameter adjustment, while adding minimal computational complexity, significantly improves material utilization by accounting for the actual interaction between blade radius and panel thickness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3771513B1Machine for working panels in wood and the like and method of using it
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 SCM GRP
  • EP3771513B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3771513B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3771513B1 patent drawingFigure 8~11

AI summary

The present invention relates to a machine (M) for working at least one panel (P), in wood, plastic, metal, fiberglass, glass and the like, comprising a working unit (1) of said at least one panel (P), having a thickness (d), receiving on entry said at least one panel (P), and providing on exit a panel (P') comprising a plurality of portions (P'1, P'2, ..., P'n), wherein said panel (P) has been divided according to a predetermined pieces pattern; a logic control unit (U), operationally connected with said working unit (1) and provided with a program for controlling said working unit (1), said working unit (1) comprising at least one first saw (11) having a radius (r), in that said logic control unit (U) is configured for receiving the following input parameters: said predetermined pieces pattern, said thickness (d) of said panel (P), said radius (r) of said first saw (11); and calculating a cuttings pattern in order to obtain waste portions (S) and reusable portions (R) in function of said input parameters. The present invention also relates to an operation method of said machine (M)