Scorer Blade Alignment Using Virtual Planes After Sharpening

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for aligning cutting blades with scorers in cutting machines are either expensive and fully automatic, requiring precise laser readings, or require manual measurements after each sharpening due to the geometric complexity of conical teeth, leading to inefficiency and waste.

Innovation Solution

An operating method using an electronic control unit and detection system to measure and align conical teeth of the scorer and cutting blade, employing virtual planes to calculate and adjust positions automatically, eliminating the need for repeated manual measurements after sharpening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual measurement and alignment methods are used for conical teeth of scorer and cutting blade, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision deteriorates due to geometric complexity requiring multiple measurements after each sharpening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an optical laser-based detection system. The laser reading system automatically measures the positions of conical teeth on the scorer and cutting blade, eliminating the need for manual measurements and complex mechanical gauges. This optical substitution achieves high alignment precision while simplifying the overall measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment system performs self-measurement and self-alignment functions. The laser reading system automatically detects the positions of the conical teeth and calculates the required alignment adjustments without requiring external measurement tools or manual intervention. The system serves itself by integrating detection and calculation functions into a unified automated process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If laser reading systems are used for automatic alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to need for precise remote readings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidlaser reading system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from a complete laser system. Instead of using a complex remote laser reading system, it employs a simplified laser device that reads positions directly at the cutting head location. This extraction approach maintains alignment precision while eliminating unnecessary system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser reading system acts as an intermediary between the alignment control system and the physical positions of the conical teeth. It provides intermediate measurement data that bridges the gap between the control unit and the actual tool positions, enabling automatic alignment calculations without requiring direct complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual alignment procedures are performed after each sharpening, then adaptability to different blade thicknesses is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to repeated time-consuming measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different blade thicknessesVSAvoidalignment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of the conical tooth positions using the laser reading system before alignment is required. The control unit stores these measurement data and uses them for subsequent alignment operations. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated measurements after each sharpening, significantly improving productivity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The laser reading system provides feedback on the actual positions of the conical teeth to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust alignment based on measured positions, maintaining adaptability to different blade thicknesses and wear conditions without requiring manual intervention or repeated measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4494794B1Method for aligning saw blades
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 NALDI VALTER
  • EP4494794B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4494794B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4494794B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An operating method for the horizontal and vertical alignment of a scorer (12) having conical shape teeth (D) with a cutting blade (13) belonging to a cutting assembly (10) of a cutting machine (1) for panels (PNL). In one of its steps it is defined and memorized a virtual plane ((BMT); (BMT'); (BMT"); (BMT*)) on the scorer (12) having a known space position relative to a reference element ((15), (X)) with the same scorer (12) fitted on the machine. The virtual plane ((BMT); (BMT'); (BMT"); (BMT*)) is perpendicular to a cutting face (FT) of scorer tooth (D) and is passing through a segment ((BM); (BM'); (BM"); (BM*)) of known width ((BMIN); (BMAX); (BINC); (BCON)). The segment ((BM); (BM'); (BM"); (BM*)) is lying or being definable on cutting face (FT) of tooth (D).