Dual Positioning Guided Tools for Large-Area Precision Path Following

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in automating the coarse positioning of a rig over large areas and accurately determining the edge of flat facets or smooth contours in materials like plywood, leading to time-consuming manual operations.

Innovation Solution

A system with dual positioning systems, including a first for fine positioning and a second for coarse positioning, uses sensors and probes to detect the edge of materials, and incorporates dust management and force sensing to enhance precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single positioning system is used for both coarse and fine positioning, then the system complexity is reduced, but the positioning precision over large areas deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning system structureVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is divided into two independent subsystems: a first positioning system for fine positioning with high precision over a small region, and a second positioning system for coarse positioning with lower precision but larger coverage area. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between system complexity and positioning precision over large areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If manual positioning is used for coarse positioning, then the system complexity is reduced, but the productivity and time consumption deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidpositioning speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automated coarse positioning capability through the second positioning system, which can automatically move the frame and working member to the general area of interest. This self-service automation reduces reliance on manual operation while maintaining manageable system complexity, thereby improving productivity without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the first positioning system operates independently over large areas, then the positioning precision is maintained, but the coverage area is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidworking area coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The first positioning system (fine positioning) is nested within the frame that is controlled by the second positioning system (coarse positioning). This nested arrangement allows the high-precision first positioning system to operate within the broader coverage area provided by the second positioning system, effectively combining large area coverage with maintained positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3746263B1Systems, methods and apparatus for guided tools with multiple positioning systems
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SHAPER TOOLS INC
  • EP3746263B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3746263B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3746263B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to performing work on a working surface based on a desired path using a working member. The disclosed system advances the working member with respect to the desired path using a first positioning system and a second positioning system. The first positioning system comprises a frame and actuators operable to advance the working member with respect to a portion of the desired path within an adjustment region. The second positioning system comprises actuators operable to move the frame. By moving the frame using the second positioning system, the first positioning system advances the working member with respect to a portion of the desired path that was outside the adjustment region before the frame was moved.