Vacuum-Sector Panel Cutting for Progressive Piece Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 'nesting' type work centres face limitations in holding panels and cut pieces due to static vacuum management, particularly when cutting thinner materials or using non-rotary tools, leading to compromised cutting precision and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that optimizes cutting sequences by dynamically managing vacuum distribution across sectors of the work table, concentrating vacuum on active cutting areas while maintaining static vacuum management, allowing for progressive piece removal and enhanced retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If static vacuum management is used to hold panels and pieces throughout the entire cutting process, then vacuum must be maintained at maximum levels across all sectors, but this prevents progressive piece removal and reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The work table is divided into multiple independent vacuum sectors that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows the vacuum to be concentrated in specific sectors where pieces are being cut, while other sectors can have vacuum deactivated, enabling piece removal without compromising holding reliability in active zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static vacuum management to dynamic vacuum distribution, where vacuum levels in different sectors are adjusted in real-time based on the cutting sequence. This allows the vacuum to be dynamically concentrated in active cutting areas while being deactivated in areas where pieces have been removed, improving both productivity and operational flexibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If vacuum is concentrated in specific sectors during cutting, then holding of pieces in active areas is improved, but this requires dynamic vacuum management capability
Solution Approach 1:
The work table is divided into multiple independent vacuum sectors that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows the vacuum to be concentrated in specific sectors where pieces are being cut, while other sectors can have vacuum deactivated, enabling piece removal without compromising holding reliability in active zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static vacuum management to dynamic vacuum distribution, where vacuum levels in different sectors are adjusted in real-time based on the cutting sequence. This allows the vacuum to be dynamically concentrated in active cutting areas while being deactivated in areas where pieces have been removed, improving both productivity and operational flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If maximum vacuum levels are maintained across the entire work table, then all pieces are held securely, but this prevents removal of completed pieces during machining
Solution Approach 1:
The work table is divided into multiple independent vacuum sectors that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows the vacuum to be concentrated in specific sectors where pieces are being cut, while other sectors can have vacuum deactivated, enabling piece removal without compromising holding reliability in active zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static vacuum management to dynamic vacuum distribution, where vacuum levels in different sectors are adjusted in real-time based on the cutting sequence. This allows the vacuum to be dynamically concentrated in active cutting areas while being deactivated in areas where pieces have been removed, improving both productivity and operational flexibility.
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 precise and efficient cutting of panels into multiple pieces with improved holding, even with static vacuum systems, facilitating safer and more efficient operation by allowing piece removal during the cutting process.
Implementation Method 1
it is held in position by vacuum means during machining. The work table may comprise for example a spoil board, in such a case suction through the spoil board creates a vacuum condition beneath the panel that holds it in place on top of the work table.
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum created by the vacuum means generates a force exerted on the pieces along a direction perpendicular to the support plane, due to the pressure difference between the upper and lower faces of the panel. This force ensures the retention of the panel and the cut pieces on the spoil board by friction of the panel and of the pieces on the spoil board
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method at work centre (1) for cutting a panel (P) into a plurality of pieces (Ri), said panel (P) being referenced on a work table (12) of the work centre (1) relative to a first axis (XR) of said work table (12) and a second axis (YR) of said work table (12); said work table (12) being divided into a plurality of sectors (S1-S4), each of said plurality of sectors extending along a respective development axis (A1-A4) parallel to the remaining development axes of said remaining sectors and parallel to a reference axis of said first axis (XR) and said second axis (YR); said method comprising the following steps: B) performing a cutting sequence for each piece of said plurality of pieces (Ri), each being arranged at least partially on one or more sectors (S1-1, S1-2) of said plurality of sectors (S1-S4), said one or more sectors (S1-1, S1-2) being arranged along the same development axis (A1) and in a vacuum condition to hold in position at least a respective portion of said panel (P) arranged on said one or more sectors (S1-1, S1-2); C) in response to an indication that said step B has been completed, placing said one or more sectors (S1-1, S1-2) in a non-vacuum condition; and D) performing steps B and C for one or more additional sectors (S2-1, S2-2) of said plurality of sectors being arranged along an additional development axis (A2) parallel to said development axis (A1).