Water Jet Cutting Head Tilt and Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterjet cutting apparatuses are limited in their ability to achieve complex and varied cutting paths due to restricted movement parameters, lacking the versatility needed for sophisticated cutting profiles.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a profile cutting apparatus with a cutting head that can tilt and rotate about a vertical axis, driven by two interconnected drives, allowing for additional spatial dimensions of movement, enabling continuous circular and spiral paths without conduit twisting or tangling, and allowing for infinite adjustment of bevel angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting head is limited to linear movement only, then the apparatus structure is simple and reliable, but the cutting path is limited and cannot achieve complex profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational and tilting movements to the cutting head, transforming it from linear 3-axis movement to 5-axis movement with rotational capabilities. The cutting head can now rotate about a vertical axis and tilt relative to the vertical axis, adding two more dimensions of movement. This enables the apparatus to achieve complex circular, spiral, and contoured cutting paths that were previously impossible with linear movement only.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting head is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to rotate and tilt during the cutting operation. The first drive rotates the cutting head about a vertical axis, while the second drive tilts the cutting head relative to the vertical axis. These dynamic movements enable the cutting head to adapt its orientation continuously during cutting, achieving complex profiles and varying bevel angles on the fly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting head rotates and tilts during cutting, then complex cutting profiles can be achieved, but the conduits may twist and tangle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible hoses for water supply and abrasive material delivery that can accommodate the rotational and tilting movements of the cutting head. These flexible conduits are designed to bend and flex without twisting or tangling, maintaining reliable material flow even as the cutting head moves through complex trajectories in three-dimensional space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional drives are added to enable rotation and tilting, then cutting versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the drive system with multi-functionality in mind. The first drive rotates the cutting head about a vertical axis, and the second drive tilts the cutting head relative to the vertical axis. These drives are integrated into the apparatus structure in a way that maximizes their utility while minimizing additional complexity. The coordinated operation of these two drives enables a wide range of cutting paths and profiles.
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
This solution enhances the manoeuvrability and versatility of waterjet cutting apparatuses, enabling the creation of complex cutting profiles and shapes previously unattainable, with increased accuracy and reduced risk of component failure.
Implementation Method 1
The cutting action is carried out by the combination of a very high pressure jet (up to 60,000 psi) of water entrained with fine particles of abrasive material, usually sand, that causes the cutting action
Implementation Method 2
a very high pressure jet (up to 60,000 psi) of water entrained with fine particles of abrasive material
Data Source
AI summary
A profile cutting apparatus comprising: a cutting head supporting a nozzle through which a cutting medium passes, and at least two drives that drive the cutting head to tilt relative to a vertical axis while driving the cutting head to rotate about the vertical axis, wherein the tilt of the cutting head is achieved by the relative difference in motion between the two drives.