Bernoulli Feeler Tool Alignment for Non-Planar Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools struggle to maintain accurate alignment with the edges of non-planar, curved, or bulging plate-shaped workpieces, such as glass plates, leading to inaccuracies during edge working processes.
Innovation Solution
A device that couples a feeler device, preferably a Bernoulli device, to the tool, allowing it to maintain a defined distance from the workpiece's surface and adjust its position relative to the tool, ensuring correct alignment even when the workpiece deviates from a planar position, using fluid dynamics to stabilize the tool's alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed tool is used for edge working, then the tool structure is simple, but the tool cannot follow deviations of curved or bulging workpieces from the planar position
Solution Approach 1:
A feeler device acts as an intermediary between the tool and the workpiece surface. The feeler device contacts the workpiece surface and detects deviations, transmitting this information to the control system which then adjusts the tool position accordingly. This mediator enables the tool to follow curved or bulging surfaces without requiring complex direct sensing mechanisms in the tool itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with a sensor-based system. Instead of using mechanical linkages or adjustable mechanical components to physically follow the workpiece contour, the system uses optical or capacitive sensors to detect surface deviations and electronically controls the tool position, substituting mechanical complexity with sensing and control systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If the tool is kept at a fixed distance from the workpiece surface, then the tool alignment is simple, but the tool cannot maintain correct alignment when the workpiece deviates from the planar position
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures the actual distance between the tool and workpiece surface using sensors, compares this measured distance with the desired distance, and automatically adjusts the tool position to eliminate any deviation. This closed-loop feedback control ensures precise tool alignment even when the workpiece surface deviates from the planar position, maintaining manufacturing precision without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
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
Enables precise edge working on irregularly shaped workpieces by maintaining optimal alignment with the workpiece edge, reducing inaccuracies and allowing for effective processing of curved surfaces like vehicle windshields and shower glass.
Implementation Method 1
the feeler device, which is designed, for example, as a Bernoulli device (13), has a constant distance between it and the workpiece (5)
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement (1) including a tool (7) and a feeler device (11) is movably guided along the edge of a workpiece (5) so that the workpiece is machined, for example, trimmed, along the edges (3) of the workpiece by the tool. The arrangement (1) can be adjusted perpendicularly to the plane of the workpiece, whereas the feeler device, which is designed for example as a Bernoulli disk (13), has a constant distance from the workpiece, so that the tool also is always guided at the correct position relative to the edge of the workpiece. Thus even for workpieces deviating from the target position, for example workpieces that are not level, the tool is always guided in such a way that the tool is correctly oriented relative to the center plane of the workpiece and, for example, the trimming of the borders at the edges of the workpiece is performed reliably.