Modular Suction Cutting Support With Inverted Bristles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting supports in automatic cutting machines for sheet materials face issues such as bristle interference with beveled blades due to conical bristle shapes, leading to partial or total cuts, and reduced suction capacity due to limited space for suction air channels.

Innovation Solution

A modular cutting support element with bristles arranged in a single line, where the head cross-section encompasses the stem cross-section, allowing for easier manufacturing and increased suction capacity, and featuring transverse and longitudinal channels for uniform air distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conical bristles are used to ensure mold release during manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but bristle interference with beveled blades increases leading to partial or total cuts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemold releaseVSAvoidbristle interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional conical bristle geometry by making the base smaller than the head, creating an inverted cone shape. This reversal eliminates the interference problem with beveled blades while still allowing mold release during manufacturing, as the inverted geometry prevents the blade from catching on the bristle during cutting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetry in the bristle geometry by creating a non-uniform cross-section along the bristle length, where the base diameter is intentionally made smaller than the head diameter. This asymmetric design optimizes both manufacturing feasibility and cutting performance by preventing blade interference while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of manufacture

If conical bristles with larger base diameter are used for mold release, then ease of manufacture is improved, but space for suction air channels is reduced leading to reduced suction capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemold releaseVSAvoidsuction capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the bristle geometry so that the base diameter is smaller than the head diameter. This inversion creates additional space within the bearing plate for larger suction air channels, thereby increasing suction capacity while still allowing effective mold release during the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If bristles are arranged in multiple parallel rows on a bearing plate, then cutting support functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting support functionalityVSAvoidbristle arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the bristle arrangement into multiple independent modular elements, each containing bristles in a single line. These modular elements can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the cutting support functionality through the combined action of multiple modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 bristle interference and enhances suction capacity, ensuring effective cutting and material holding while maintaining uniform suction across the support surface.

Implementation Method 1

a high vacuum is established in order to keep the sheets of material to be cut immobile during the cutting operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

inside which a high vacuum is established

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS12533826B2Modular support element for aspirated cutting in a machine for automatic cutting of sheet material

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 LECTRA SA (FR)

AI summary

A modular cutting-support element with suction in a machine for automatic cutting of sheet material by means of blades, includes a plurality of bristles arranged in the same single line, at least some of the bristles each having a base rigidly connected to a bearing plate intended to be mounted on a support, a head opposite the base on which a sheet material to be cut is intended to rest, and a stem connecting the head to the base, the largest cross-section of which is strictly included in the largest cross-section of the head, the bearing plate comprising, on each of its side surfaces, a plurality of transverse channels for the passage of suction air providing communication between an upper surface of the bearing plate from which the bristles extend and an inner surface opposite the upper surface.