Cut Piece Projection Control for Variable Plate Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information projecting methods struggle to accurately project information onto cut pieces with varying plate thicknesses or stack heights, requiring frequent adjustments in projector position and zoom ratio.

Innovation Solution

A laser processing apparatus with a shuttle table system and a projector positioned to maintain a constant relationship in the X, Y, and Z axes, using adjustable height and zoom settings to ensure accurate projection regardless of plate thickness or stack height changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the projector position and zoom ratio are adjusted for each different plate thickness or stack height, then the information can be projected accurately onto the top face of the cut piece, but the operation complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the top face height position of the cut piece and calculates the required projector position and zoom ratio without manual intervention. The control unit performs self-adjustment based on detected parameters, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust the projector for each different plate thickness or stack height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes projector parameters (position and zoom ratio) based on detected plate thickness and stack height variations. The control unit calculates optimal projection parameters automatically and adjusts the projector accordingly, allowing accurate projection across varying work conditions without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the projector position is fixed and zoom ratio is adjusted based on plate thickness, then the projection accuracy is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the laser processing apparatus, operates the plate thickness measuring unit, detects top face height position, calculates projection parameters, and adjusts the projector. This multi-functional integration reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control functions into a single intelligent unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the plate thickness measuring unit and the projector. It receives thickness data, calculates the appropriate zoom ratio and position adjustments, and transmits control signals to the projector, thereby mediating the relationship between measurement and projection functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of projector position and zoom ratio is performed for each plate thickness variation, then projection accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases due to frequent adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection accuracyVSAvoidsorting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous operation by automatically detecting plate thickness and adjusting projector parameters without interrupting the workflow. The plate thickness measuring unit continuously monitors variations, and the control unit continuously adjusts projection parameters, ensuring uninterrupted accurate projection throughout the sorting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where the plate thickness measuring unit continuously measures the workpiece thickness, the control unit processes this information and calculates required adjustments, and the projector automatically adjusts its parameters. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate projection while eliminating manual intervention time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 consistent and efficient projection of information onto cut pieces, improving sorting efficiency by maintaining a fixed projector position and adjusting the zoom ratio based on plate thickness, ensuring accurate placement and handling of cut pieces.

Implementation Method 1

projecting device arranged at an upper part of the shelf device... project information concerning a cut piece onto a top face of the cut piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical projection: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3666450B1Information projection method and device and laser processing device
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 AMADA HOLDINGS CO LTD
  • EP3666450B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3666450B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3666450B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An information projecting method projects information concerning a cut piece onto the cut piece, which is cut and separated from a plate-like work and is on a placement table, or onto a position adjacent to the cut piece. To adjust to an aspect ratio (vertical to horizontal ratio) of a projector 21, the method assigns a long side of the work W to an X-axis direction, i.e., a horizontal direction of the aspect ratio and a short side of the work W to a Y-axis direction, i.e., a vertical direction of the aspect ratio, finds a positional relationship d between a top face of the work W and the projector 21 according to plate thickness information of the work W on the placement table 7 and 9 positioned corresponding to the projector 21 arranged at a predetermined Y-axis-direction position, and with a zoom ratio based on the found positional relationship d, projects the information concerning the cut piece onto the cut piece or onto a position adjacent to the cut piece.