Dual Optical Detection for Free-Positioned Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting and etching apparatuses require precise orientation of articles with designs and writings on a flat surface, which can lead to operator errors, especially when switching between different types of articles with unique geometrical characteristics or writing arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with second optical means that captures the entire work plane surface to detect the position and orientation of articles, allowing them to be placed in any position and orientation, and a method that uses first optical means for precise identification and cutting/etching of designs and writings, reducing the need for operator training and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the vision camera is placed close to the work plane to capture designs and writings, then the visual field is limited and only a portion of the flat surface can be captured, but if the camera is placed farther away to capture the whole surface, then the detection precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into two segments: a first optical means (vision camera) close to the work plane for high-precision detection of designs and writings, and a second optical means (camera) farther away for detecting the overall position and orientation of the article. Each optical means operates at its optimal distance, with the second camera providing global positioning and the first camera providing detailed characterization, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage area and detection precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the operator manually orients the article against abutting elements, then precise positioning is required, but this increases the probability of orientation errors especially when changing article types
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service positioning by using the second optical means to automatically detect the position and orientation of the article on the work plane, and the control panel to process this data and adjust the reference system accordingly. This eliminates the need for manual orientation by the operator, allowing articles to be placed freely without requiring trained judgment, thus reducing orientation errors while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If abutting elements are provided on the work plane for positioning, then the operator can position the article, but the operator must be trained to correctly orientate the article which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical positioning system using abutting elements is supplemented and eventually replaced by an optical detection system. The second optical means detects the article's position and orientation automatically, and the control panel processes this information to establish the correct reference system. This substitution of mechanical orientation requirements with automated optical detection and computational processing simplifies operation while reducing the need for trained judgment.
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
Increases productivity by allowing articles to be positioned and oriented freely, reducing the risk of errors and enabling accurate cutting and etching without requiring precise alignment against abutting elements, thus enhancing operational flexibility and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
second optical means 9 arranged with respect to the work plane 2 in order to detect the whole upper surface 3 of the work plane 2 and to detect both the orientation and the position of the articles on the work plane 2
Implementation Method 2
first optical means 7 for detecting designs and/or writings (11A, 11B, 11C) reproduced on the articles when the articles 4 are arranged on the work plane 2
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for cutting and/or etching articles (4) having a flat surface on which designs and/or writings (11A, 11B, 11C) are reproduced has an operating group (5) arranged above a work plane (2), which work plane (2) is provided with an upper surface (3) for receiving the articles. The operating group is movable along the work plane (2) in order to operate on the articles (4) for cutting and/or etching the articles (4). A first optical device detects designs and/or writings (11A, 11B, 11C) reproduced on the articles arranged on the work plane (2). The apparatus (1) has a second optical device (9) arranged with respect to the surface (2) such as to detect the orientation as well as the position of the articles (4) on the work plane (2) as well as the designs and/or the writings (11A, 11B, 11C) reproduced on the articles.