Pivoting Cutting Tool for Sheet Metal Radius Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for separating rolled sheets in the pressing process on cutting lines, such as using linear scissors or profile cutting tools, do not optimize the use of sheet metal and often require unnecessary manufacturing of cutting tools, particularly when producing radius-shaped panels.

Innovation Solution

A cutting tool with a radius working shape (R2000-3000mm) is used, and a cassette with the cutting tool is mounted on a pivoting base plate that can move transversely relative to the sheet metal strip's longitudinal axis, allowing for two degrees of freedom in cutting, enabling efficient cutting of radius trapezoid shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If linear scissors or profile cutting tools are used, then cutting operations can be performed, but material usage is not optimized and specialized tools must be manufactured for each shape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial wasteVSAvoidcutting shape flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting system employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the cutting tool to change its position and orientation during operation. The base plate can pivot to different angles, and the cutting tool can be positioned at various locations on the base plate, enabling the same tool to produce different cutting shapes without requiring multiple specialized tools, thereby reducing material waste while maintaining shape flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting device is designed as a universal system where a single cutting tool mounted on a pivotable base plate can perform multiple cutting operations. By adjusting the base plate angle and tool position, the same tool configuration can create various cutting shapes, eliminating the need to manufacture specialized tools for each shape and reducing material loss through optimized nesting

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

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple specialized cutting tools are manufactured for different shapes, then specific cut shapes can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting tool manufacturingVSAvoidcutting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a single universal cutting tool that can be positioned and oriented in multiple configurations on a pivotable base plate. This allows one tool to replace multiple specialized tools, simplifying manufacturing requirements while the pivotable mechanism and positioning system provide the necessary complexity to achieve various cutting shapes

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

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting system incorporates dynamic positioning and pivoting mechanisms that allow a single tool to adapt to different cutting requirements. The base plate can rotate to different angles, and the tool can be repositioned on the base plate, providing shape variability without requiring multiple static tools, thus reducing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2308624B1Device for separating sheet metal
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 SKODA AUTO AS
  • EP2308624B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The system (10) has a casket (2) provided with a cutting tool (3) and moved in a transverse manner against a longitudinal axis of a sheet metal band (4) in both directions (5, 5') around 0.5 m. Radius of an operating mold of the tool lies in a range between 2000-3000. A base plate (1) with the casket is swivelable around thirty degrees, where cutting curves have different forms (11, 11', 12, 12', 13, 13', 14, 15) in dependent upon swiveling of the base plate. The system enables separating of the band in a clock pulse such that step length of sheet metal feed is adjusted with the cutting tool.