Segmented Suction Channel for Laser Bridge Fume Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction apparatuses for laser bridges in embroidery/sewing machines are prone to frequent maintenance, wear, and high power requirements due to continuous curvature and friction issues, making them inefficient and difficult to assemble and transport.
Innovation Solution
A suction apparatus with a lifting element and a cover element, such as a tape or roller system, that selectively opens a limited segment of the suction channel to maintain continuous suction while minimizing curvature and friction, reducing maintenance needs and power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible suction pipe is used to follow the laser head movements, then the suction apparatus can adapt to different positions, but the pipe is subjected to continuous curvature variation causing wear, breakages, and high maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The suction channel is divided into multiple segments (first suction channel, second suction channel, third suction channel) that can be independently positioned and activated. Each segment can be selectively connected to the suction device, allowing the system to adapt to different laser head positions without requiring the entire flexible pipe to bend continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction channel segments are designed to be movable relative to each other, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the suction path. This allows the system to maintain rigid connections while adapting to position changes, eliminating continuous curvature in the suction path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible suction pipe with continuous curvature is used, then the suction apparatus can follow laser head movements, but the corrugated surface generates large load losses requiring high power suction devices
Solution Approach 1:
The suction path is segmented into rigid channels that can be selectively activated. This eliminates the continuous curved flexible pipe, reducing turbulence and load losses, thereby lowering the power requirements for the suction device while maintaining adaptability through selective segment activation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed suction channel extending for the entire length of the longitudinal guide is used, then the suction apparatus is simple to construct, but it generates considerable friction and requires premature wear of the bands
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single fixed suction channel, the system uses multiple segmented suction channels that can be selectively connected. This reduces the length of any single channel, minimizing friction and wear on associated components while maintaining construction simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction channel segments are designed to be movable or selectively connectable, allowing the system to activate only the segments needed for the current operation. This reduces overall friction and wear compared to a continuously engaged fixed channel, while maintaining ease of construction through modular components.
4Reliability
If a lifting element with rollers is used to selectively open the suction channel, then continuous suction is maintained with minimized curvature, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting element with rollers provides dynamic control over the suction channel opening, allowing selective activation of different channel segments. This maintains continuous suction with minimized curvature while using a relatively simple mechanical lifting mechanism rather than complex automated systems.
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 solution reduces wear, load losses, and maintenance frequency, allowing for lower suction power usage and easier assembly and transport, while maintaining efficient fume aspiration.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device for harmful fumes, dust, fluff or other impurities or waste deriving from the working
Data Source
AI summary
Suction apparatus for a work machine, such as a guide, or laser bridge, for an embroidery/sewing machine, suitable to take in the harmful fumes generated by work operations, having at least a cutting unit to carry out work operations, a suction channel, provided with at least a longitudinal aperture, a cover element to cover the longitudinal aperture, a suction pipe and a lifting element solid with the cutting unit, interposed between the suction pipe and the suction channel and defining a compartment.