Vibration Device for Laser Cut Work Piece Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser cutting machines face inefficiencies in releasing multiple work pieces from a sheet of metal, as existing methods require manual manipulation and are time-consuming, especially when dealing with large quantities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a support structure with bracing members and a vibration device to partially inhibit sheet movement, allowing vibrations to break the connection between work pieces and the sheet, enabling collective removal of work pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If work pieces are laser cut from sheet metal and remain slightly connected at connection points, then the work pieces can be separated from the sheet, but individual manual manipulation is required to break the connections which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibration device that generates vibratory movements to break the connections between work pieces and the sheet metal. The vibration causes the connected portions to separate automatically without requiring individual manual manipulation of each work piece, thereby dramatically increasing separation speed and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration device enables the work pieces to separate themselves from the sheet metal through self-service mechanism. The vibratory energy causes the connected portions to break automatically based on the laser-cut weak connections, eliminating the need for external manual intervention for each piece.
2Ease of operation
If manual manipulation is used to separate work pieces from the sheet, then each work piece can be individually removed, but the process takes an hour for a sheet with hundred or more work pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration device transforms the manual manipulation process into an automated vibratory process. By applying mechanical vibration to the sheet metal, all connections are broken simultaneously or in rapid succession, enabling entire sheets to be processed in minutes rather than hours, thus dramatically improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the separation of all work pieces from a sheet into a single unified process. Instead of handling each piece individually, the vibration device acts on the entire sheet simultaneously, combining multiple separation operations into one efficient process that increases throughput.
3Extent of automation
If a chute is incorporated within the laser-cutting machine to deliver work pieces, then work pieces can be automatically delivered to another location, but the machine cannot output another sheet until work pieces are removed and the cut sheet is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration device enables rapid separation of work pieces from the sheet, allowing the sheet to be quickly processed and prepared for the next operation. This reduces the idle time between sheets and maintains continuous automation flow, thereby increasing overall work output speed while preserving automated delivery capabilities.
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
Facilitates the efficient and automated release of laser cut work pieces, reducing manual intervention and increasing production output by allowing collective removal without the need for individual handling.
Implementation Method 1
A vibration device is engaged with the sheet of metal
Implementation Method 2
At least one bracing member is connected to the support structure, whereby the bracing member partially inhibits movement of the sheet of metal when the sheet of metal experiences vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus, and method for releasing laser cut work pieces from a sheet of metal are provided. The system includes a support structure supporting a sheet of metal. A work piece is laser cut within the sheet of metal without completely cutting the work piece from the sheet of metal. At least one bracing member is connected to the support structure, whereby the bracing member partially inhibits movement of the sheet of metal when the sheet of metal experiences vibrations. A vibration device is engaged with the sheet of metal. Vibrating the sheet of metal causes the work pieces to separate from the sheet of metal.


