Line Catcher Waterjet Clamping Drive for Precise Reciprocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional line catcher-type waterjet cutting apparatuses face challenges in achieving precise motion speed due to belt slippage, leading to inaccurate processing, which has resulted in a decline in market adoption despite the importance of precision in waterjet processing.
Innovation Solution
A line catcher-type waterjet cutting apparatus with a workpiece edge clamping device and a separate driving unit that clamps the workpiece during processing, allowing for precise reciprocal movement in the X-direction, and easy decoupling post-processing for automated loading, removal, and waste disposal, utilizing a combination of belt conveyor units and clamping mechanisms driven by screw and cylinder systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If belt-driven conveyor units are used to reciprocally convey the workpiece, then the apparatus structure is simple and easy to operate, but precise motion speed cannot be achieved due to belt slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is segmented into two independent parts: a belt-driven conveyor for easy loading and a separate driving unit with a clamping device for precise reciprocating motion during processing. This segmentation allows each part to optimize for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
A clamping device acts as an intermediary between the belt-driven conveyor and the processing system. It captures the workpiece from the conveyor and provides precise reciprocating motion through a separate driving unit, eliminating the slippage problem of belt-driven systems while maintaining ease of loading.
2Manufacturing precision
If a separate driving unit with clamping device is added for precise reciprocating motion, then processing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device and reciprocating driving unit are merged into an integrated assembly that works together as a single functional unit. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving precise motion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device serves multiple functions: it secures the workpiece during processing, provides reciprocating motion through the driving unit, and facilitates easy loading from the belt conveyor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
3Manufacturing precision
If the workpiece is clamped during processing, then processing accuracy is enhanced, but automated removal and waste disposal becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device employs dynamic clamping that can be adjusted during the process. The clamping force and position can be modified to secure the workpiece during processing while allowing for easy release and removal afterward, enabling both precision and automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertically movable clamping members automatically form a discharge space when moved upward, enabling the workpiece to escape from the rectangular frame without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism facilitates automated removal and waste disposal while maintaining secure clamping during processing.
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
Enhances processing accuracy and automates the loading, removal, and disposal processes, improving the overall efficiency and precision of waterjet cutting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a screw extending in the X-direction and rotatably supported by a base frame; a screw driving motor disposed on the base frame to drive the screw to rotate; and a nut member provided on the rectangular frame in a way as to be ball screw-coupled to the screw
Implementation Method 2
some of the plurality of clamping members are vertically movable clamping members provided inside the rectangular frame adjacent to the carry-out belt-type conveyor unit, wherein the vertically movable clamping members is configured to clamp the edges of the workpiece when moved downwards, and to form a discharge space between the vertically movable clamping member and the carry-out belt-type conveyor unit to allow the workpiece to escape from the rectangular frame therethrough when moved upwards
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a line catcher-type waterjet cutting apparatus in which a workpiece is subjected to the waterjet processing in a state of being clamped by a workpiece edge clamping device and a separate driving unit for the workpiece edge clamping device is provided, and in which the workpiece is clamped by the workpiece edge clamping device during the waterjet processing, while the workpiece is easily decoupled from the workpiece edge clamping device after the waterjet processing is completed, so that the waterjet processing is carried out while reciprocally conveying the workpiece in an X-direction, thereby increasing the processing accuracy of the waterjet processing and easily automating the waterjet processing.