Edge Banding Machine Control System Using Mirrors for Vertical Edge Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current quality control systems for edge banding machines are inadequate in inspecting the vertical edges of wooden panels, as they lack precision and are costly, with existing solutions either failing to provide sufficient field of vision or requiring high computational power and multiple cameras.
Innovation Solution
A control system for edge banding machines that uses a video camera with strategically positioned mirrors and illuminators to capture images of vertical edges, allowing for precise inspection of both head and tail edges with a single device, optimizing image acquisition and illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to inspect vertical edges, then inspection coverage is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a mirror system that reflects light from the vertical edge at an angle, allowing a single camera positioned in a different spatial dimension to capture the edge profile. This optical transformation enables one camera to perform the inspection function that would traditionally require multiple cameras positioned at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror acts as an intermediary element between the vertical edge and the camera. By positioning the mirror at a specific angle, it redirects the light path so that the camera can capture the edge profile without being directly positioned at the edge location, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining inspection coverage.
2Device complexity
If a rotating camera is used to inspect both edges, then device simplicity is improved, but image quality and synchronization precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the camera in the horizontal plane to capture both edges, the patent uses a mirror to reflect light from the vertical edge at an angle, allowing the camera to remain fixed while capturing the edge profile in a different optical dimension. This eliminates the need for rotation and maintains image quality.
3Device complexity
If a single fixed camera diagonal to advancement direction is used, then device simplicity is improved, but image accuracy and processing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the camera normal to the advancement direction but uses a mirror to redirect light from the vertical edge at an angle. This allows the camera to capture accurate edge profiles without requiring high computational power for image combination, as the mirror system naturally aligns the optical path for precise capture.
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
This solution enhances the precision and efficiency of quality control, reduces the need for additional cameras, and manages contrast effectively, providing a cost-effective and compact system compatible with machining speeds, while identifying more imperfections and improving the homogeneity of illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror for reflecting an image of the vertical edge of the panel
Implementation Method 2
at least one illuminator, arranged to illuminate said vertical edge of the panel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control system (15) for edge banding machines (1) comprising a video camera (4) with relative viewing cone, two inclined mirrors (10) for the reflection of a light beam (F), coming from said video camera (4), on a vertical edge (12) belonging to a panel (11).