Tray-Based Laser Cutting Line With In-Line Weight Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing processes for sheet type products require separate cutting and weight-measuring systems, leading to increased installation area, expenses, and reduced productivity due to the need for sequential execution of these processes.
Innovation Solution
A cutting system that integrates a feed unit, loading unit, storage unit, machining unit, and recovery unit to perform both cutting and weight-measuring processes in a single line, utilizing tray conveyance and lifting mechanisms to automate the handling and measurement of products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cutting apparatus and weight measurement apparatus are installed, then each apparatus can perform its function independently, but installation area and expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting apparatus and weight measurement apparatus into a single integrated system. The weight measurement unit is positioned within the cutting apparatus structure, allowing both cutting and weight measurement functions to be performed in the same installation space, thereby reducing overall installation area while maintaining independent functionality of each unit
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting apparatus is designed to serve multiple functions: it performs cutting operations and simultaneously houses the weight measurement unit for measuring the weight of cut pieces. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated spaces for each apparatus
2Reliability
If separate cutting apparatus and weight measurement apparatus are installed, then each apparatus can operate independently, but total expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the weight measurement apparatus into the cutting apparatus structure, the patent reduces total manufacturing expenses. The integration allows for shared structural components, control systems, and installation infrastructure, thereby lowering overall system cost while preserving independent operational capability of each function
3Reliability
If cutting process and weight-measuring process are executed sequentially by separate apparatus, then each process can be performed with dedicated equipment, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system enables continuous operation where the cutting process and weight measurement process occur simultaneously or in overlapping time frames. The weight measurement unit can measure the weight of a cut piece while the cutting apparatus is already preparing for or performing the next cutting operation, eliminating idle time and improving overall processing speed
4Reliability
If cutting process and weight-measuring process are executed by separate apparatus, then each process can be optimized independently, but overall execution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight measurement unit is pre-positioned within the cutting apparatus structure, ready to immediately measure the weight of cut pieces as they are produced. This preliminary preparation of the measurement system eliminates setup and transition time between cutting and measurement operations, reducing total execution time while maintaining process optimization
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a cutting system, which includes: a feed unit to supply a plurality of pre-loaded trays in sequential order; a loading unit to load the tray supplied from the feed unit with a subject to be processed (“subject”); a storage unit to load the plurality of trays loaded with the subjects in multiple stages to temporally store the same, followed by sequentially re-supplying the subjects in accordance with a change in formation of the product; a machining unit to cut the subject delivered from the storage unit with laser so as to form the product; and a recovery unit that measures a weight of the product formed in the machining unit and recovers the same. According to the present invention as described above, a cutting process to cut the subject so as to form a product and a weight-measuring process to measure a weight of the formed product may be successively executed in a single line, thereby enhancing productivity of the product.