Vacuum-and-Brush Sheet Holding for Laser Machining Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling, fixing, and machining of thin and flexible sheet materials, such as anode and cathode foils, in the electronics industry are complex due to their delicate nature and the destructive properties of machining tools like laser beams, requiring a secure and durable holding device that balances flexibility and holding capacity.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with a combination of vacuum devices and support modules, where vacuum devices are positioned to avoid the machining tool's path and support modules with brushes are placed along the path, allowing for secure grip and machining while minimizing damage and enabling easy replacement of worn parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum devices are provided at all positions to ensure secure holding, then holding capacity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is segmented into two functional types: vacuum devices for secure holding at critical positions and support modules with brushes for additional support along the machining path. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive holding coverage without deploying vacuum devices at every position, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different types of holding elements are deployed at different locations based on local requirements: vacuum devices are positioned at corners and edges where secure holding is critical, while support modules with brushes are placed along the machining path where additional support is needed but full vacuum coverage is unnecessary.
2Reliability
If vacuum devices are placed along the machining path to maximize holding coverage, then holding capacity is improved, but the risk of contact with machining tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
Support modules with brushes serve as intermediary elements along the machining path. These brushes provide necessary support and friction for holding the sheet material without being as vulnerable to machining tool contact as vacuum devices. The brushes can withstand incidental contact better, allowing the system to maintain holding capacity along the machining path while protecting the more sensitive vacuum devices.
3Reliability
If more vacuum devices are used to ensure secure holding, then holding capacity is improved, but the impact of destroying a vacuum device on productivity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support modules with brushes are designed as more replaceable, less critical components compared to vacuum devices. While vacuum devices provide the primary holding force and are more expensive and time-consuming to replace, the brush modules serve as sacrificial support elements that can be quickly replaced if damaged, minimizing downtime and maintaining overall system productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If support modules with brushes are added to the holding device, then flexibility of movement path is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is segmented into modular vacuum devices and support modules that can be independently positioned and configured. This modular segmentation allows the system to be adapted to different machining paths and sheet material sizes by selectively placing support modules only where needed along the machining path, rather than creating a fixed complex structure.
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 holding device ensures secure and flexible handling of sheet materials during machining, maintaining holding capacity even after contact with machining tools, and allows for efficient production of cut pieces and waste management, enhancing durability and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
each having a base arranged on the plate upper side and a nozzle head arranged on the base for suctioning the sheet material
Data Source
AI summary
A holding device (200) for holding a sheet material (12) in a machining device (10), in particular a laser machining device, includes a working plate (204), vacuum devices (206), and support modules (208). The working plate (204) has a plate upper side (220) extending along a plate plane (222). The vacuum devices (206) extend along a holding direction (271), each having a base (226) arranged on the plate upper side (220) and a nozzle head (256) arranged on the base (226) for suctioning the sheet material (12). The support modules (208) extend along the holding direction (271), each having a module base (288) arranged on the plate upper side (220) and a brush (302) arranged on the module base (288) and extending along a brush plane (301) for supporting the sheet material (12).