Dual-Side Workpiece Sensing for Precise Plate Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing woodworking machines lack the ability to ensure high machining quality during the processing of plate-shaped workpieces, particularly in terms of initial setup, quality monitoring, and automated quality control, which affects the precision and efficiency of material removal.

Innovation Solution

A machining device equipped with first and second sensor devices for detecting the sides of a workpiece, a motion device for relative movement, and a control unit to determine the path and quality of machining, allowing for high precision and automated quality control, with features like tactile sensing and adjustable sensor positioning to accommodate varying workpiece widths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional woodworking machines are used for machining plate-shaped workpieces, then basic machining operations can be performed, but machining quality cannot be ensured due to lack of automated quality control and setup support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor devices detect workpiece dimensions and geometry before machining operations begin, allowing the control unit to pre-calculate optimal machining parameters and paths. This preliminary measurement and planning ensures high machining quality from the start without requiring complex real-time adjustments during machining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor devices continuously measure workpiece dimensions during and after machining, providing feedback to the control unit. This closed-loop system automatically adjusts machining parameters to maintain high quality standards, eliminating the need for manual quality control while ensuring consistent precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If manual setup and quality control procedures are used, then device complexity remains low, but significant time is lost during initial setup and quality verification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup timeVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor devices and control unit automatically perform setup verification and quality control measurements without operator intervention. The system self-calibrates and self-monitors, eliminating manual setup time while maintaining simple operational procedures. Operators simply load workpieces; the system handles all measurement and adjustment tasks autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If sensor devices are added for quality monitoring, then machining quality can be ensured, but the device becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality consistencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor devices serve multiple functions: initial workpiece measurement, continuous quality monitoring, and final product verification. This multi-functionality ensures consistent quality throughout the machining process while avoiding the need for separate dedicated devices for each measurement stage, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.

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

4Productivity

If automated quality control is implemented, then production efficiency improves, but the system becomes more complex requiring additional sensors and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The quality control functions are merged with the existing machining and transport systems. Sensor devices are integrated into the machining center structure, and quality control measurements are combined with the workpiece transport flow. This integration achieves automated quality control and improved productivity while minimizing additional system complexity through shared infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Ensures high machining quality by supporting the user during setup, enabling automated quality control, monitoring machine wear, and improving production efficiency with documented measurement protocols, allowing for timely component replacement and enhanced precision.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensor device for detecting a first side of the workpiece, a second sensor device for detecting a second side of the workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4519629B1Machining device and method
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP4519629B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4519629B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4519629B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a machining device for machining a plate-shaped workpiece, comprising: a first sensor apparatus for sensing a first side of the workpiece, a second sensor apparatus for sensing a second side of the workpiece, a movement apparatus for causing a relative movement between the workpiece and the first and second sensor apparatuses in such a manner that the first sensor apparatus can be used to sense the first side of the workpiece and the second sensor apparatus can be used to sense the second side of the workpiece, and a control apparatus which is connected to the first and second sensor apparatuses and is configured to determine a profile of the first and second sides of the workpiece along the length of the workpiece on the basis of the sensing result from the first and second sensor apparatuses.