Workpiece Part Extraction Using Cyclic Clamping Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated laser cutting machines face challenges in reliably removing workpiece parts from residual skeletons due to high forces that can damage extraction devices, particularly during intermediate removal attempts, where the 'sandwich removal' method risks bending lifting elements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves reducing and then restoring the clamping force on workpiece parts by alternately building and releasing mechanical stresses between the ejection and counter-holding devices, allowing for partial or complete dissolution of the 'sandwich' without triggering damaging movements, and using sensor devices to ensure complete separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the workpiece part is clamped between ejection element and counter-holding element for removal, then the workpiece part can be securely gripped and moved, but the forces acting on the extraction devices become too great and can damage the devices (e.g., bending lifting pins)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clamping force adjustable rather than static. The control device dynamically adapts the clamping force of the ejection element and counter-holding element based on the detected separation status. When separation is detected, the clamping force is reduced or released to prevent damage; when separation is not detected, the clamping force is restored to maintain secure gripping. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between secure gripping and preventing device damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of clamping force from a constant value to a variable parameter. The control device modifies the clamping force parameter based on feedback from the sensor device. The clamping force is increased when workpiece parts need to be securely held during removal, and decreased or released when separation is confirmed, thereby preventing excessive forces that could damage the ejection device components while maintaining reliable gripping when needed.
2Ease of operation
If release strategy with repeated movements is used to free caught workpiece parts, then workpiece parts can be freed from jammed positions, but the forces become too great and can damage the removal devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clamping force adjustable rather than static. The control device dynamically adapts the clamping force of the ejection element and counter-holding element based on the detected separation status. When separation is detected, the clamping force is reduced or released to prevent damage; when separation is not detected, the clamping force is restored to maintain secure gripping. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between secure gripping and preventing device damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of clamping force from a constant value to a variable parameter. The control device modifies the clamping force parameter based on feedback from the sensor device. The clamping force is increased when workpiece parts need to be securely held during removal, and decreased or released when separation is confirmed, thereby preventing excessive forces that could damage the ejection device components while maintaining reliable gripping when needed.
3Reliability
If complete clamping force is maintained during repeated removal attempts, then workpiece parts remain securely held, but the mechanical stresses become too great and can damage the ejection device components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clamping force adjustable rather than static. The control device dynamically adapts the clamping force of the ejection element and counter-holding element based on the detected separation status. When separation is detected, the clamping force is reduced or released to prevent damage; when separation is not detected, the clamping force is restored to maintain secure gripping. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between secure gripping and preventing device damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of clamping force from a constant value to a variable parameter. The control device modifies the clamping force parameter based on feedback from the sensor device. The clamping force is increased when workpiece parts need to be securely held during removal, and decreased or released when separation is confirmed, thereby preventing excessive forces that could damage the ejection device components while maintaining reliable gripping when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 2e~2g
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for removing a workpiece part (20) from the remainder (2a) of the workpiece mounted in a bearing plane (E), comprising: moving the workpiece part (20), which is clamped between at least one ejector element (52) of an ejection device (32) and at least one counter-holding element (49b, c, 47) of a counter-holding device (34), in a removal direction (Z), and checking whether the workpiece part (20) has been fully separated from the remainder (2a) of the workpiece on moving in the removal direction (Z). The method is characterized by reducing or completely ceasing the clamping of the workpiece part (20) and subsequently resuming the clamping of the workpiece part (20) if the check determines that the workpiece part (20) was not fully separated from the remainder (2a) of the workpiece. The invention also relates to an associated device.