Combined Router-Waterjet End Effector for Crack-Free Composite Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic manufacturing processes face inefficiencies and material waste due to damage from router systems in cutting composite materials, and waterjet systems fail to fully penetrate substrates without causing cracking, necessitating additional trimming and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A combination end-of-arm tool integrating a router or drill and a waterjet system, where the router initiates cuts to prevent cracking, followed by the waterjet completing the cut, optimizing the process and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a router system is used to cut composite materials, then cutting capability on thicker composites is improved, but material damage and dust generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a router system and a waterjet system into a single integrated end-of-arm tool. The router provides robust cutting capability for thicker composites while the waterjet simultaneously suppresses dust and cleans the cut area, resolving the contradiction between cutting strength and harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tool performs multiple functions: cutting, dust suppression, and surface cleaning. The waterjet system serves both as a coolant for the router and as a separate cutting mechanism, allowing the same tool to handle both thick and thin composite materials effectively.
2Manufacturing precision
If a waterjet system is used to cut composite materials, then cut quality and safety are improved, but penetration capability and burr-free results deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges waterjet cutting with router drilling capability. The waterjet provides high-quality cuts and safety, while the integrated router can be used to pre-pierce or reinforce holes in thicker materials, ensuring burr-free results and complete penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can use the router to create pre-pierces or enlarge holes before the waterjet completes the cutting, ensuring that the waterjet operates on pre-prepared openings which improves penetration capability while maintaining cut quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate tools are used for cutting and routing functions, then functional versatility is improved, but packaging space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a router system, waterjet system, and control mechanisms into a single compact end-of-arm tool. This consolidation provides cutting, drilling, and cleaning functions in one tool, reducing packaging space while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tool head performs multiple functions including routing, waterjet cutting, dust suppression, and surface cleaning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate tools, reducing overall device complexity and packaging requirements.
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
The integrated tool minimizes material waste and production time by ensuring crack-free cuts, while reducing the need for multiple tools and space, enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a waterjet system contained within the housing and fixed adjacent to the drilling system, wherein the waterjet system is plumbed to a high-pressure water source
Implementation Method 2
the router or drill may be used to perforate the composite or molded product to initiate the cut
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic manufacturing system is presented, wherein the system includes a novel combination end-of-arm tool. A routing or drilling system and a waterjet system are together integrated within the tool.