Wireless Alignment Device for Cutting Machine Ergonomics

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing cutting systems require operators to manually activate and control various functions of the cutting machine, which can be cumbersome and ergonomically challenging, especially when aligning and positioning sheet-like materials for cutting.

Innovation Solution

The integration of electrical components and a wireless actuation system within the alignment device allows operators to control and activate cutting machine functions remotely, using operator control elements and indicators, such as a touchscreen, to simplify the alignment and cutting process without the need for direct interaction with the machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If operators manually activate and control cutting machine functions, then the machine can be operated without additional electrical components, but the operation becomes cumbersome and ergonomically challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational easeVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electrical control system. The alignment device incorporates electrical components including a controller, wireless communication module, and user interface that communicate with the cutting machine's controller, eliminating the need for operators to manually activate machine functions and thereby improving ergonomics and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment device serves as an intermediary between the operator and the cutting machine. It includes a wireless communication interface that transmits control signals to the cutting machine's controller, allowing operators to control machine functions remotely without direct physical interaction, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If operators directly interact with the cutting machine for alignment and positioning, then control is direct and simple, but physical strain increases on the operator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidphysical strain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct manual interaction with the cutting machine with wireless electrical control. The alignment device's controller communicates wirelessly with the cutting machine's controller, allowing operators to issue alignment and positioning commands without physically straining to manipulate the machine, thereby eliminating physical strain while maintaining control simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting machine's controller receives and processes control signals from the alignment device, enabling the machine to self-adjust and self-position based on wireless commands. This self-service capability allows the machine to perform alignment and positioning operations autonomously in response to operator input, reducing the physical effort required by the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If the alignment device has no electrical components, then the system remains simple and reliable, but wireless control and remote actuation are not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless control capabilityVSAvoidelectrical component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment device incorporates electrical components as an intermediary layer between the operator and the cutting machine. The device includes a controller, wireless communication module, and user interface that together enable remote actuation and wireless control while maintaining a clear separation of functions, thus achieving automation without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment device is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines alignment functions with electrical control capabilities. It includes a controller for processing signals, a wireless communication interface for remote actuation, and a user interface for operator input, all integrated into a single device that performs both mechanical alignment and electrical control functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10052778B2Cutting system with cutting machine and an alignment device

Publication Date: 2018.08.21 HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a cutting system with a cutting machine for cutting sheet-like, stacked material and with an alignment device, which can be manually manipulated, for manually laterally aligning the material on a flat surface of the alignment device, wherein the alignment device can be placed on a table of the cutting machine, which table serves to receive the material, wherein the cutting machine has an electrical machine controller for functions of the cutting machine. In the case of a cutting system of this kind, it is provided that the alignment device has electrical components, and the electrical machine controller of the cutting machine can be actuated by means of the alignment device.