Multi-Axis Cutting System with Series Saw Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cutting systems for producing geometric workpieces like cubes, cuboids, or prisms are inefficient due to multiple manual handling steps and tool changes, leading to increased processing time and potential for incorrect positioning.

Innovation Solution

A cutting system with a carrier that moves along multiple axes, allowing for automated feeding of blanks to tools and precise positioning, featuring a multi-bladed saw and a chop saw arranged in series, enabling grid-like incisions and transverse cuts without manual intervention, reducing the number of processing steps and eliminating the need for manual sorting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple manual handling steps and tool changes are used in current cutting systems, then flexibility in processing different workpieces is maintained, but processing time increases and positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple cutting tools (first cutting tool with spindle shaft, second cutting tool with further spindle shaft) and the carrier with automated positioning into a single integrated system. The carrier simultaneously holds the blank and provides automated movement along first and second axes, while both cutting tools are mounted on the same carrier, eliminating the need for separate manual handling steps between tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier is pre-configured with automated positioning capabilities along the first and second axes before processing begins. The system performs preliminary automated positioning of the blank relative to both cutting tools, eliminating the need for manual positioning adjustments during the cutting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If manual sorting and positioning of blanks between machining steps is performed, then adaptability to different blank orientations is achieved, but processing time increases and positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier automatically performs positioning and orientation adjustments of the blank between cutting operations. The first cutting tool creates initial cuts, then the carrier automatically repositions the blank along the second axis to present the correct orientation for the second cutting tool, eliminating manual intervention entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic automated positioning along two independent axes, allowing the carrier to adaptively adjust the blank's position and orientation in real-time between cutting operations, replacing static manual positioning with flexible automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple separate cutting tools are used for different cutting operations, then cutting precision for specific operations is maintained, but the number of processing steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple cutting tools and the carrier into a single coordinated system. Both the first cutting tool and second cutting tool are mounted on the same carrier, which automatically sequences their operation and positions the blank between them, reducing multiple separate processing steps into one integrated automated workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds the blank, provides automated movement along the first axis for the first cutting tool, provides automated movement along the second axis for the second cutting tool, and performs positioning between operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate handling equipment for each cutting operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3277471B1Cutting system and method using the same
Publication Date: 2023.02.08 D SWAROVSKI & CO
  • EP3277471B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3277471B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3277471B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cutting system. The cutting system (1) is designed to extend in the direction of a first system axis (7) which extends horizontally along a width (B) of the cutting system (1), in the direction of a second system axis (8) which extends vertically relative to the first system axis (7), and in the direction of a third system axis (9) which extends along the depth (T) of the cutting system orthogonally to the first system axis (7) and the second system axis (8). The cutting system has a support (2), a tool (3; 4) which is received on the support (2) in the form of a saw with a spindle shaft (13; 14), the operating direction of the tool following the direction of the first system axis (7), and an additional tool (5) which is received on the support (2) in the form of a chop saw with a third spindle shaft (15), the operating direction of the additional tool following the direction of the first system axis (7). The tools (3; 4; 5) are used to machine a blank, and the tools (3; 4; 5) are arranged in series in the direction of the first system axis (7). The cutting system (1) has a support element (10) which is received on the support (2) in a movable manner along the first system axis (7) and the second system axis (8), and the support element (10) is provided for supporting the blank. The support element (10) can be rotated about the second system axis (8), and according to the invention, the spindle shaft (13; 14) is orthogonal to the third spindle shaft (15).