Single-Pusher Cutting Layout for Faster Multi-Piece Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines for wood and other materials require multiple pusher units for simultaneous cutting, leading to mechanical complexity and high costs, and involve frequent reinsertions of pieces, increasing cutting times.
Innovation Solution
A method for cutting pieces using a single pusher unit with a cutting machine that minimizes movement and reinsertions by employing a reference device, pressure device, and a detection system to control precise cutting patterns, allowing simultaneous cuts on multiple pieces in a single step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple pusher units are used for simultaneous cutting, then cutting productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting process is segmented into multiple sequential cutting directions (first cutting direction and second cutting direction perpendicular to the first). A single pusher unit performs cuts in different directions by repositioning, replacing the need for multiple pusher units operating simultaneously. This segmentation of the cutting process allows one unit to achieve what previously required multiple units.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pusher unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can push pieces in the first cutting direction, reposition pieces to new positions, and then push pieces in the second cutting direction. This multi-functional capability allows one pusher unit to replace multiple specialized pusher units, reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If pieces are reinserted frequently into the machine, then cutting precision is maintained, but cutting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning actions by repositioning pieces to predetermined new positions after the first cutting direction cuts. This preliminary arrangement ensures that subsequent cuts in the second direction can be performed without requiring pieces to be removed and reinserted, maintaining precision while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting process maintains continuity by performing cuts in the first direction, then immediately repositioning and cutting in the second direction without interrupting the workflow. The pusher unit continuously moves pieces through different cutting positions, eliminating idle time associated with removing and reinserting pieces, thereby maintaining both precision and speed.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cutting unit moves extensively to reach all cutting positions, then all cutting patterns are achieved, but cutting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a second cutting direction perpendicular to the first cutting direction. By cutting in two dimensions rather than one, the system can reach all necessary cutting positions more efficiently. Pieces are cut in the first direction, repositioned to new positions, and then cut in the perpendicular second direction, reducing the total movement distance of the cutting unit while achieving complete cutting patterns.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for cutting at least one piece or pack of pieces (P), made of wood, plastic, glass, fiberglass, ceramic, and metal, by means of a cutting machine (M), of the type comprising at least a loading/unloading station (1,3) of said at least one piece or pack of pieces (P), a movement group for moving said at least one piece or pack of pieces (P) along an advancement direction (X), approaching and/or moving away from said machining station (2), a working station (2) comprising a working plane, to support said at least one piece or pack of pieces (P), and a cutting group movable along a cutting line (L) orthogonal to said advancement direction (X), to cut said at least one piece or pack of pieces (P) according to a predefined cutting pattern, a logical control unit (U), for controlling the movement of said cutting group and said movement group, in which predetermined cutting patterns that said working station (2) has to perform on said at least one piece or pack of pieces (P) are stored.