AR-Guided CNC Workpiece Positioning for Collision-Free Setup

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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 extensive manual effort and remeasurement to ensure correct positioning and collision-free machining.

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, reducing the need for complex coordinate reading and remeasurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual positioning is performed using conventional measuring devices and coordinate reading, then the workpiece and clamping devices can be positioned on the workpiece support, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors requiring extensive remeasurement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical measuring devices (rulers, calipers) with an optical system consisting of a camera and augmented reality display. The camera captures images of the workpiece support and clamping devices, and the AR display overlays virtual measurement markings and position information, eliminating the need for physical measuring tools and coordinate reading procedures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the workpiece support and clamping devices through camera imaging and displays it in augmented reality. This virtual representation includes overlaid measurement markings and position information that guide the positioning process, allowing users to see target positions directly in the visual field without physical measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If conventional manual positioning methods are used, then workpieces and clamping devices can be positioned, but the process requires significant user effort and complexity in coordinate transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning easeVSAvoidpositioning process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex manual process of reading coordinates from placement plans and transferring them using measuring devices with an automated optical recognition and augmented reality guidance system. The camera automatically detects the workpiece support and clamping devices, and the AR display provides visual guidance, eliminating manual coordinate transfer and reducing user effort.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic recognition and measurement of the workpiece support and clamping devices through the camera, eliminating the need for manual measurement and coordinate calculation. The augmented reality display automatically provides positioning guidance based on the captured images, making the system self-sufficient in the measurement and guidance functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If positioning is verified through remeasurement, then positioning accuracy can be confirmed, but the process becomes even more time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning verificationVSAvoidverification time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously captures images of the workpiece support and clamping devices during positioning. The augmented reality display overlays real-time position information and measurement markings, allowing users to verify positioning accuracy immediately without separate remeasurement steps. The system provides continuous visual feedback on whether components are correctly positioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If standardized positioning procedures are followed, then collisions between machining tools and clamping devices can be avoided, but the process requires significant time for coordinate reading and transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidpositioning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual coordinate reading and transfer procedures with an optical recognition system that automatically identifies the workpiece support and clamping devices. The augmented reality display provides real-time visual guidance on correct positioning, ensuring that components are placed at the correct locations to avoid collisions with machining tools, while dramatically reducing the time required for the positioning process.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4293436A1Assembly comprising a CNC machining system and an augmented reality display device
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 FELDER KG
  • EP4293436A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4293436A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4293436A1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

An arrangement comprising: - a CNC machining center (1) for machining, in particular by chip removal, at least one workpiece (2), in particular a plate-shaped workpiece, in particular made of wood or of at least one wood substitute material, - at least one workpiece support (3) and - at least one workpiece (2) and/or clamping device (4) for holding the at least one workpiece (2), which is to be positioned at least partially manually on the at least one workpiece support (3), wherein at least one augmented reality display device (5) is provided, which is configured to overlay a real image of the at least one workpiece support (3) or a part thereof with information on a predefinable target position (xy4) and/or target machining contour (k1) of the at least one workpiece (2) and/or on a predefinable target position (xy2) of the at least one clamping device (4), and which is operated by a user (6),which is wearable on the body and allows at least one workpiece (2) and/or clamping device (4) to be positioned at least partially manually on at least one workpiece support (3).