Rotating Slag Scraper for Automated Support Plate Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slag removal apparatuses for laser processing machines are inefficient, requiring significant time and effort to remove slag from multiple support plates, and are difficult to automate due to structural limitations and the need for manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A slag removal apparatus with a scraper that straddles multiple support plates, featuring slots for simultaneous slag removal, a rotation support unit, and a transfer unit for automated and remotely controlled operation, utilizing sensors for position and obstacle detection to enhance efficiency and automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional scraper is used to remove slag from support plates, then slag removal is possible, but the process is time-consuming and requires significant manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple slag removal functions into a single integrated scraper assembly that can simultaneously remove slag from multiple support plates. The scraper includes multiple scraping elements arranged to engage with several support plates at once, transforming the sequential removal process into a parallel operation, thereby significantly improving productivity and reducing the time required for slag removal operations
2Extent of automation
If a conventional scraper structure is used, then slag removal can be performed, but automation is difficult due to structural limitations and need for manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional wire-based crane suspension system with a rail-guided mechanical transfer mechanism. The scraper assembly moves along predetermined rails with controlled positioning, enabling automated operation. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for manual wire handling and crane operation, making the system suitable for automation while improving ease of operation through guided, repeatable motion paths
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper assembly is designed to automatically position and engage with support plates through its own structural features, such as guide rails and positioning mechanisms. The system performs its own alignment and engagement operations without requiring external manual intervention, enabling self-service operation that facilitates automation while reducing manual handling requirements
3Productivity
If support plates are processed one at a time, then slag removal can be completed, but slag removal efficiency is remarkably low
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper is divided into multiple independent scraping elements or segments, each capable of removing slag from an individual support plate. These segmented elements are arranged in a coordinated fashion along the scraper assembly, allowing simultaneous engagement with multiple support plates. This segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple plates without requiring an excessively complex overall structure, as each segment is a simplified, standardized component
Data Source
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AI summary
A slag removal apparatus for removing slag from support plates provided to support an object to be processed in a cutting machine is disclosed. The slag removal apparatus includes a scraper including a plurality of blades around an outer surface of a bar crossing the support plates, and a plurality of slots formed in the respective blades along a length direction and thus formed around the bar and in a length direction of the bar, a rotation support unit to which the scraper is rotatably installed, a rotation driving unit rotating the scraper from the rotation support unit to remove slag attached to the support plates by the blades, when the support plates are inserted into the slots, a lifting unit lowering the scraper, for insertion of the support plates into the slots and raising the scraper to an original position by raising and lowering the rotation support unit, and a first transfer unit moving the rotation support unit along a length direction of the support plates to allow the scraper to remove the slag along the length direction of the support plates.