Accessory device to facilitate the feeding of sheets of material to be cut in CNC machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Numerical control die-cutting machines face challenges in securely feeding and positioning sheets of material, particularly breathable or multilayered materials, which often slip during cutting due to inadequate suction and cumbersome stabilization methods, and require complex operations for inserting new sheets without interrupting the cutting process.
Innovation Solution
A movable, retractable support plane with transversal clamps is integrated with the machine, allowing for efficient alignment and holding of sheets, enabling easy feeding and positioning of materials by overlapping the plane with the conveyor belt and using motorized actuators for precise movement, along with a crosspiece for additional stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction means are used to hold the sheet on the conveyor belt, then the first layer is well held, but the upper layers are not sufficiently held and tend to move during cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The holding function is segmented into two independent systems: suction means for the first layer and transversal clamps for upper layers. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function, with clamps providing additional holding force precisely where suction is insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
Transversal clamps act as an intermediary holding mechanism between the suction means and the upper layers of material. The clamps provide the missing holding force for multilayered materials, bridging the gap between the suction system's capability and the requirement for stable multilayer cutting.
2Productivity
If material is fed from rolls on racks, then continuous supply is achieved, but material slippage occurs especially with overlapped sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The transversal clamps are positioned to engage the material before the cutting operation begins, preliminarily securing the overlapped sheets and preventing slippage during the subsequent cutting process. This preliminary holding action ensures stable material positioning from the start of cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping function is applied locally at specific positions along the conveyor belt where material slippage is most problematic. The transversal clamps provide targeted holding force at critical locations rather than uniform holding across the entire material width.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new sheets are inserted manually, then material replacement is possible, but the operation is difficult and time-consuming especially for multilayered sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The support plane is made dynamically retractable, moving between a retracted position during cutting and an extended position for sheet insertion. This dynamic positioning facilitates quick and easy sheet replacement by operators while maintaining cutting stability when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable support plane acts as an intermediary structure that assists operators during sheet insertion. By providing a temporary support surface that can be extended when needed and retracted when not needed, it simplifies the complex operation of replacing multilayered sheets without interrupting the cutting process.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the support plane is fixed, then structural stability is maintained, but operator access and machine versatility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support plane transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamically retractable one, capable of moving between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic capability provides structural stability during cutting when retracted while enabling operator access and sheet insertion when extended.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable support plane serves multiple functions: it provides structural support during cutting, facilitates sheet insertion by operators, and can be retracted to clear the working area. This multi-functionality increases machine versatility without compromising cutting stability.
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 solution enhances the feeding and positioning of sheets, reducing material slippage and simplifying the insertion of new sheets, optimizing production yield and operator access by providing a versatile and efficient system for handling various materials.
Implementation Method 1
the material to be cut is held on the conveyor belt by suction means arranged below said belt
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a numerical control machine (1) equipped with an accessory device (9) for facilitating the feeding of sheets(2) of material to be subjected to cutting towards a conveyor belt (6) of the machine(1). Advantageously, the device (9) comprises a support plane (14) equipped with at least one crosspiece holding element (15) for holding at least one sheet(2) or a multilayer of said sheets(2), said plane (14) being actuated by motorized means mutually approaching and/or moving away with respect to the conveyor belt.