Adaptive Surface Treatment for Unsorted Workpieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface treatment methods for workpieces, such as vibratory finishing, struggle to adapt to different workpieces efficiently, leading to quality loss and increased workload due to the need for frequent machine adjustments and sorting, especially in smaller batches.

Innovation Solution

A method that records and evaluates geometric parameters of individual workpieces using sensors and control units to select and execute tailored machining routines, allowing for automated and efficient surface treatment without prior sorting or arrangement, enabling optimal processing for each workpiece based on its specific geometry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If process parameters are fixed for batch processing, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to adapt to individual workpiece geometry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebatch processing efficiencyVSAvoidsurface treatment quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts process parameters based on real-time geometric measurements of each workpiece. The control unit modifies rotational speed, immersion depth, and processing time according to the detected workpiece geometry, enabling adaptive processing that maintains high precision while processing batches of varying workpieces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes process parameters (rotational speed, immersion depth, processing time) based on measured geometric parameters of workpieces. This allows the system to optimize surface treatment quality for each workpiece while maintaining efficient batch processing through automated parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If machine adjustments are made for each workpiece type, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to frequent adjustments and sorting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface treatment qualityVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-measurement and self-adjustment by automatically detecting workpiece geometric parameters and selecting appropriate process parameters without operator intervention. This eliminates the need for manual sorting and adjustments, maintaining high precision while improving productivity through automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensor feedback to detect workpiece geometry and automatically adjusts process parameters based on this information. The control unit receives measurement data and selects optimal processing parameters, eliminating manual adjustments and enabling continuous high-speed processing with maintained precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If workpieces are sorted and arranged before processing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to additional preparation time and operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface treatment qualityVSAvoidpreparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary geometric measurement of workpieces immediately upon loading, before processing begins. This preliminary detection enables automatic selection of appropriate process parameters without requiring prior sorting or arrangement, eliminating preparation time while maintaining processing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual sorting and arrangement operations with automated optical or sensor-based detection systems. The measurement system automatically identifies workpiece geometry and feeds this information to the control unit, eliminating the need for mechanical sorting while maintaining precise processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3210719B1Method for processing the surface of workpieces
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 DB MATIK AG
  • EP3210719B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3210719B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3210719B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for surface treatment of workpieces (W) in a machine tool (1) is described, in which different workpieces (W) are presented in at least one provided holding device (4) and in which different machining routines (11) are stored in at least one provided control unit (6).The method is characterized in particular by at least the following steps: - Acquiring at least one geometric parameter of the presented workpieces in the form of measurement data by means of at least one suitable sensor unit (5) provided for this purpose, - Evaluating the measurement data acquired for the various workpieces in the control unit (6) using at least one suitable evaluation and control routine (9) provided for this purpose, - Selecting a machining routine (11) for the workpieces depending on the evaluated measurement data of the respective workpieces by means of the at least one evaluation and control routine, and - Executing the machining routine selected for the workpieces in a machining container by means of workpiece fixtures provided for this purpose, wherein the workpieces are held by the workpiece fixtures for the execution of the machining routine.