AR-Guided CNC Workpiece Positioning to Avoid Clamping Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manually positioning workpieces and clamping devices in CNC machining centers are prone to errors and time-consuming, requiring complex coordinate reading and re-measurement, which increases the risk of collisions and reduces machining speed.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality display device worn by the user provides real-time visual guidance on target positions and machining contours, allowing for accurate and efficient manual positioning of workpieces and clamping devices by overlaying digital information onto the real image of the workpiece support, reducing the need for complex coordinate systems and re-measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning is performed using conventional measuring devices and coordinate reading, then positioning can be achieved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to high susceptibility to errors and time-consuming re-measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses augmented reality to create a virtual copy of the workpiece and clamping devices overlaid on the real workpiece support. This virtual model provides visual guidance for target positions, eliminating the need for manual coordinate reading and re-measurement, thereby improving positioning accuracy while reducing time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The augmented reality display device acts as an intermediary between the CNC machining center control system and the operator. It translates complex coordinate data into intuitive visual overlays showing target positions and machining contours, making positioning accurate and efficient without requiring manual measurement verification
2Reliability
If complex coordinate reading and re-measurement procedures are used for positioning, then positioning can be verified, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The augmented reality system provides self-verification capability by continuously displaying the virtual model overlaid on the real workpiece support. The operator can immediately see whether clamping devices are positioned correctly without needing separate verification steps, making the system both reliable and easy to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through the augmented reality display, showing the operator the current position of clamping devices relative to target positions. This immediate feedback eliminates the need for complex verification procedures while ensuring positioning reliability
3Reliability
If reduced speed machining operations are performed to verify collision-free processes, then collision risks can be identified, but productivity decreases due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The augmented reality system displays the virtual machining contour and tool path before actual machining begins. The operator can verify potential collisions by visually comparing the virtual tool path with the physical arrangement of workpiece and clamping devices, eliminating the need for time-consuming reduced-speed verification machining while maintaining reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
The assembly comprises - a CNC machining center (1) for - processing, in particular machining, at least one workpiece (2), in particular a board-shaped workpiece, in particular made of wood or at least one wood substitute, - at least one workpiece support (3), and - at least one workpiece (2) and/or clamping means (4) to be positioned on the at least one workpiece support (3) in an at least partly manual manner in order to fix the at least one workpiece (2), wherein at least one augmented reality display device (5) is provided which is designed to superimpose a real image of the at least one workpiece support (3) or a part thereof with information on a specifiable target position (xy4) and/or a target machining contour (k1) of the at least one workpiece (2) and/or on a specifiable target position (xy2) of the at least one clamping means (4) and which can be worn on the body by a user (6) who positions the at least one workpiece (2) and/or clamping means (4) on the at least one workpiece support (3) in an at least partly manual manner.