Drill Alignment Device Using Projected Light Spots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill alignment systems, such as those using light-emitting diodes or laser distance meters, face challenges in accurately determining the inclination of a drill relative to a workpiece, leading to inefficiencies in aligning the drill perpendicular to the workpiece surface.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary device comprising a projector that emits multiple light beams with different orientations and an evaluation system using a camera to determine the inclination of the drill relative to the workpiece, with a display to provide feedback to the user for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light-emitting diodes or laser distance meters are used to determine drill inclination, then the alignment function is provided, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement task into multiple independent light beam projections at different orientations. Instead of using a single measurement method, the patent segments the inclination determination into multiple directional measurements (first light beam in first direction, second light beam in second direction), which are then combined by the evaluation device to achieve more precise and reliable inclination data.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary device integrates multiple functions into a single system: the projector generates multiple light beams for measurement, the camera captures images, the evaluation device processes data to determine inclination, and the display provides feedback. This multi-functional integration improves both measurement precision and reliability by combining multiple measurement approaches in one unified system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light beams with different orientations are projected, then the inclination determination accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the projector, camera, evaluation device, and display into a single integrated auxiliary device that attaches to the drill. By merging these components into one unified system rather than separate systems, the patent achieves high measurement precision through multiple light beams while managing device complexity through integration and modular design.
3Measurement precision
If light spots are projected onto the workpiece, then the inclination can be determined, but the ease of operation is reduced due to the need for precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The display device provides visual feedback to the user based on the inclination data determined by the evaluation device. This feedback mechanism guides the user in adjusting the drill orientation, making the operation easier while maintaining high measurement precision. The user can see real-time inclination information and make appropriate adjustments without needing to understand the complex measurement process.
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
The system effectively determines and displays the inclination of the drill, allowing for accurate perpendicular alignment, enhancing the precision and efficiency of drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
A projector (24) is provided to project a first spot of light (26) and a second spot of light (27) onto a workpiece (6) to be machined
Implementation Method 2
A camera (25) is provided to record the first light spot (26) and the second light spot (27) in one image (28)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The auxiliary device (20) has a projector (24) that projects light spots (26,27) on a workpiece (6). A camera (25) records light spots in an image portion of the workpiece. An evaluation unit (29) determines the distance between the light spots and reference point in the recorded image portion respectively, and inclination angle of the drilling machine (1) with respect to the workpiece. A display device (23) displays the determined inclination angle. An independent claim is included for control method for aligning drilling machine.