Worktable Grid Inspection for Slag and Lodged Part Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser and water jet cutting systems face issues with lodged cut-out parts and slag deposits between support elements, which can cause crashes and incorrect processing due to non-flat workpieces, necessitating effective detection and removal methods.

Innovation Solution

A device and method using an optical sensor to detect and differentiate between slag and foreign parts on a worktable grid, with features for illumination and automatic location indication, enabling precise detection and subsequent removal before lifting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the worktable grid is used to support workpieces for laser cutting, then the workpieces can be processed efficiently, but foreign parts and slag can lodge between support elements causing crashes and processing errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a detection system that scans the worktable grid before workpiece processing begins. The optical sensor detects foreign parts and slag deposits between support elements in advance, allowing the system to identify and alert operators to clear the obstructions before they can cause crashes or processing errors, thus preventing reliability issues while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by creating a closed-loop detection system where optical sensors continuously monitor the worktable grid for foreign parts and slag. The system provides real-time feedback to operators through visual or electronic signals when obstructions are detected, enabling immediate corrective action to prevent crashes, thereby maintaining both high productivity and system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the grid support elements are used to enable cut parts to fall through, then material removal is efficient, but lodged parts cannot be detected and must be manually removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial removal efficiencyVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing an automatic detection system that monitors the grid for lodged cut parts. The optical sensor autonomously scans between support elements and identifies foreign objects without requiring manual inspection, allowing the system to self-diagnose and alert operators only when necessary, thus maintaining efficient material removal while reducing manual intervention requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an optical detection system. Instead of operators manually checking between grid support elements for lodged parts, an optical sensor automatically detects foreign objects, substituting mechanical human labor with automated sensing technology to maintain productivity while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the lifting system forks travel between support elements to lift workpieces, then workpiece handling is efficient, but crashes can occur when foreign parts are present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece handling efficiencyVSAvoidcrash risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a detection system that identifies foreign parts between support elements before the lifting system operates. The optical sensor proactively detects obstructions and alerts operators to clear them before the lifting forks travel between support elements, preventing crashes before they can occur while maintaining efficient workpiece handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by scanning the worktable grid for foreign parts before initiating the lifting operation. The detection system performs its function in advance of the lifting system's fork movement, allowing operators to clear obstructions beforehand, thus eliminating crash risk while preserving productive workpiece handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Prevents crashes by ensuring the worktable is clear of foreign parts and slag, maintaining accurate processing and preventing damage to lifting systems, while allowing for automatic detection and removal of detected objects.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor for detecting the foreign parts and/or the deposits in the space between two respective support elements. The sensor is an optical sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12502728B2Detection of foreign parts and slag on a worktable

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 BYSTRONIC LASER AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for checking for foreign parts and/or deposits on support elements of a worktable, wherein the support elements are provided to support a flat workpiece for cutting with a laser or a water jet, wherein the support elements are arranged parallel to one another and have a first distance from one another, comprising: a sensor for detecting the foreign parts and/or the deposits in the space between two respective support elements.