AI-Guided Workpiece Inspection for Systematic Defect Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for checking workpieces during or after production do not enable reliable detection of systematic production errors, limiting the optimization of workpiece quality and production processes.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to suggest and implement process, material, and production optimizations by determining and processing workpiece and system parameters, creating workpiece-specific data sets for improved quality verification and optimization, including the use of sensors for non-contact temperature measurement and simulation-based correlation data to assess treatment results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional inspection methods are used to check workpieces during or after production, then inspection can be performed, but reliable detection of systematic production errors is not enabled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidinspection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection system is segmented into multiple specialized measurement units (e.g., laser scanners, cameras, sensors) that capture different aspects of workpiece quality. Each unit focuses on specific parameters, and their results are integrated to achieve comprehensive and reliable defect detection without requiring a single overly complex inspection device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A centralized control system acts as an intermediary that collects, processes, and correlates data from various measurement units. This intermediary system enables reliable detection of systematic production errors by analyzing patterns across multiple data sources, while keeping individual measurement devices relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual or automatic inspection is performed on workpieces, then quality checking is possible, but meaningful and 100% reliable conclusions about systematic production defects cannot be drawn

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection precisionVSAvoidinspection throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection system operates continuously alongside production processes, with measurement units constantly monitoring workpieces as they move through the manufacturing line. This continuous inspection enables 100% coverage of production output while maintaining high detection precision through real-time data collection and analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual inspection is replaced with automated optical and sensor-based measurement systems that provide both high precision and continuous operation capability. These automated systems eliminate human limitations in inspection speed and accuracy, enabling simultaneous achievement of high measurement precision and production throughput.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If workpiece parameters and system parameters are determined and processed to create workpiece-specific data sets, then quality verification is improved, but data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece qualityVSAvoiddata processing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurements and data collection during the production process itself, capturing workpiece parameters and system parameters simultaneously. This preliminary action prepares organized data sets in advance, reducing the complexity of subsequent quality analysis and enabling faster decision-making about workpiece acceptance or rework.

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

This approach enhances the efficiency and reliability of workpiece inspection, allowing for better verification of quality and optimization of production processes, enabling the detection of defects and improvement of treatment results, thus ensuring higher quality workpieces.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sensor arranged in the treatment station for determining a workpiece parameter of the workpiece (102) in a contactless manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3966650B1Method for control and after-treatment of workpieces, control system and treatment installation
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 DUERR SYST AG
  • EP3966650B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3966650B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3966650B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a control system for controlling workpieces and to a machining system for machining workpieces, which are efficient and reliable with respect to quality optimisation, wherein for example, workpiece parameters are detected by means of an automatic control station and from there and/or from system parameters, a workpiece-specific data set is produced.