Sub-millimeter Cylindrical Workpiece Separation via Laser and Gas Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of thin, cylindrical structural elements in the sub-millimeter range, such as stents, faces challenges in precise severing and handling due to their small size and fragility, requiring innovative methods for efficient and precise separation and processing.
Innovation Solution
A device with clamping jaws and an aperture for a laser beam and cutting gas is used to sever and process the workpieces, allowing for precise cutting and secure handling of small portions through a flexible hose system, enabling precise severing and collection of individual elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a laser beam is used to sever the workpiece, then cutting precision is improved, but handling and collection of small severed portions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible hose is introduced as an intermediary component to transport the severed small portions from the cutting zone to a collection container. The hose receives portions through a first outlet opening and conveys them to a receiving container, solving the handling difficulty of small severed portions while maintaining laser cutting precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gas flow (pneumatics) to convey the severed portions through the flexible hose. Gas flows through the hose to transport the small portions automatically from the cutting area to the collection container, eliminating manual handling and improving ease of operation
2Manufacturing precision
If the workpiece is clamped tightly for precise processing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but insertion of the workpiece becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jaws are designed with insertion openings that allow the workpiece to be inserted before final clamping. The workpiece is first introduced through the opening, then the clamping mechanism engages to secure it in position, enabling both easy insertion and precise processing
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is divided into multiple clamping jaws with separate insertion openings. This segmentation allows the workpiece to be inserted through one opening while being secured by multiple jaws, facilitating both easy insertion and stable positioning for precise processing
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
Enables the efficient and precise separation and processing of sub-millimeter cylindrical workpieces into individual portions, ensuring precise cutting and controlled handling, even for small or elongated pieces, improving the manufacturing efficiency of structural elements like stents.
Implementation Method 1
a free end of the workpiece which projects beyond this guide body is severed by the laser beam
Implementation Method 2
onward conveying of the portion by the cutting gas through a flexible hose into a first collection container
Data Source
AI summary
In a device for separating a longitudinally-extended cylindrical workpiece, which has a diameter in the sub-millimeter range, into individual segments, the workpiece is guided in a clamping device. The clamping device includes a first and a second clamping jaw and a feed opening for the workpiece. The feed opening is fitted between the clamping jaws on the side facing the other clamping jaw and a longitudinal groove which defines a direction of advancement of the workpiece for receiving and guiding the workpiece between the clamping jaws. The clamping device has a passage for a laser beam and a cutting gas, which passage defines a working zone, disrupts the longitudinal groove and runs parallel thereto. A cutter head is arranged in the working zone and has an outlet opening for the laser beam and the cutting gas, which outlet opening is aligned with the passage.