CNC Optical Marking Control for Faster Precision Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CNC machines require complex and time-consuming setup and calibration processes, especially for material positioning and cut location, which limits their efficiency and precision, particularly for novice operators and large material pieces.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses visual indicia on the workpiece, decoded by visual input devices, to determine movement routines for the cutting element, allowing automated precision control of CNC machines, enabling the cutting tool to move in multiple axes based on predefined markings and variables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional CNC setup procedures are used with manual positioning and coordinate offset adjustment, then machining operations can be performed, but the setup time is excessive and requires high operator skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning and coordinate input with an automated optical recognition system. The CNC machine uses visual input devices to automatically detect markings on the workpiece and calculate positioning parameters, eliminating the need for operators to manually measure and input coordinates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the CNC machine to automatically determine its own positioning parameters by recognizing visual markings on the workpiece. The machine self-calibrates by detecting the markings and automatically calculating the work coordinate system offsets without requiring external measurement tools or skilled operator intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual measurement and positioning methods are used for material placement, then workpieces can be positioned, but material waste increases due to oversized cutting paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement methods with automated optical recognition. The visual input devices precisely detect the positions of markings on the workpiece, enabling accurate material positioning without the need for conservative oversized cutting paths that result from manual measurement uncertainties.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex coordinate offset adjustments are made to accommodate diagonal material placement, then non-axis-aligned cutting is possible, but setup complexity and error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual calculations and multiple coordinate offset adjustments with automated optical recognition. The visual input devices directly detect diagonal markings and the system automatically calculates the appropriate transformation parameters, eliminating the need for operators to perform complex manual math.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pre-defined visual markings on the workpiece that encode positioning information. These markings are placed beforehand and contain all necessary geometric information, allowing the machine to automatically determine positioning parameters without complex setup procedures during operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple test passes and parameter adjustments are performed to achieve tolerance compliance, then accurate parts can be produced, but production time and material consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automatic positioning and parameter calculation before the actual machining operation. By using visual recognition to pre-determine accurate work coordinate system offsets and cutting parameters, the system eliminates the need for multiple test passes and iterative adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual recognition system provides immediate feedback on workpiece positioning by detecting markings and automatically calculating corrections. This closed-loop approach ensures dimensional tolerance compliance from the first pass without requiring iterative test cutting and parameter adjustment.
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 simplifies the setup and calibration of CNC machines, reducing operator skill requirements and material waste, while enabling quick production of high-precision parts by automating the interpretation of visual markings for precise cutting operations.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, via at least one visual input device, at least one detectable marking on a workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and device for automated precision control of a computer numerical control (CNC) machine to a workpiece. The system receives via at least one visual input device at least one detectable marking on a workpiece. The system decodes the at least one detectable marking and determines a stored and pre-defined movement routine of a cutting element attached to the CNC machine relative to the workpiece based on the at least one marking. The system then determines, using the at least one visual input device and/or another visual input device, a current position of a working end of the cutting element relative to the at least one marking. Finally, the system performs the pre-defined movement routine including cutting into the workpiece with the cutting element.