Workpiece Positioning for Multi-Angle Cutting Without Re-Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines require manual user intervention and repeated re-clamping for complex separation tasks, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, especially when multiple sample portions need to be taken from a test specimen at different angular positions.
Innovation Solution
A cutting machine with a workpiece positioning device that includes clamping means and mechanical rotating means to position the workpiece relative to a rotating cutting wheel, allowing for automatic positioning and cutting at different angles without re-clamping, using a lifting mechanism to set the cutting wheel perpendicular to the workpiece and incorporating a program controller for automated control of the cutting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual user intervention and repeated re-clamping are used for complex separation tasks, then the cutting machine can handle multiple sample portions at different angular positions, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece is clamped once in a standardized clamping tool and then rotatably positioned to predetermined angular positions before cutting. This preliminary positioning allows multiple separating cuts to be made without re-clamping, as the workpiece can be rotated between cuts to access different angular positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping tool is designed with rotational capability, allowing the workpiece to be dynamically repositioned between different angular positions. This dynamic rotation replaces the static re-clamping process, enabling the same clamped workpiece to be cut at multiple positions around its circumference.
2Ease of operation
If standardized clamping tools are used for simple separation tasks, then the operation is straightforward, but complex separation tasks requiring multiple cuts at different angles become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized clamping tool is enhanced with rotational capability, allowing it to perform both simple clamping functions and complex multi-position positioning functions. This multi-functional design enables the same tool to handle both straightforward single-cut operations and complex multi-cut operations at different angular positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping tool adds rotational degree of freedom around the workpiece axis, transitioning from a single-position clamping device to a multi-position positioning device. This dimensional addition in the angular direction enables complex separation tasks without compromising the simplicity of the clamping operation.
3Productivity
If multiple separating cuts are required at different angular positions, then more sample portions can be obtained from the test specimen, but manual re-clamping increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece is clamped once with all necessary angular positions predetermined and marked. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for repeated clamping operations, as the workpiece can be simply rotated to each predetermined position for cutting, thereby increasing productivity without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Predetermined angular positions are marked or indicated on the workpiece before clamping. These position markers serve as guides for rotation, allowing the operator to quickly and accurately position the workpiece at each cutting location without complex measurement or alignment procedures during the cutting process.
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
Enables efficient and automated execution of complex separation tasks with reduced manual effort, saving time and minimizing the risk of errors by allowing precise positioning and multiple cuts at various angles without re-clamping the workpiece, while also being retrofittable to existing machines.
Implementation Method 1
A separating cut in the workpiece is performed by introducing the rotating cutting wheel into the workpiece... while an abrasive cutting operation is carried out on the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cutting machine comprising a rotating cutting wheel for performing separating cuts in a workpiece, and also relates to a workpiece positioning device for such a cutting machine. The cutting machine comprises a cutting wheel and a drive motor for driving the cutting wheel, a clamping means for clamping the workpiece, means for mechanically positioning the workpiece along one or two translational directions and additionally about one or two rotation axes, and a lifting mechanism for setting the cutting wheel on the workpiece to perform separating cuts in the positioned workpiece using the cutting wheel.