Automated Butt Joint Quality Assessment in Edge Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current edge processing methods for panel-shaped workpieces lack automation in assessing the quality of butt joints, leading to time-consuming manual inspection and potential rework due to inadequate joint formation.
Innovation Solution
An edge processing method utilizing an imaging system, such as an infrared camera or hyperspectral camera, to evaluate the joint area by capturing images of the joint and determining the distance and temperature distribution, enabling immediate evaluation and machine-controlled decision-making on the quality of the joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual visual inspection is used to check butt joint quality, then quality assessment can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and cannot be automated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated imaging system that captures images of the butt joint area. The system uses image processing algorithms to automatically evaluate joint quality metrics such as gap width and adhesive distribution, eliminating the need for human operators to manually inspect each joint while significantly reducing inspection time and enabling continuous automated quality control.
2Manufacturing precision
If the butt joint is too wide or improperly formed, then the workpiece quality is compromised, but detection requires complex manual assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an automated imaging and image processing system to evaluate butt joint quality parameters such as gap width, adhesive distribution, and joint formation. The system captures high-resolution images of the butt joint area and uses computer vision algorithms to automatically measure and assess joint quality, providing precise objective measurements without requiring complex manual assessment procedures or specialized operator skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the butt joint area through imaging to enable virtual measurement and evaluation. By capturing images of the actual joint and processing them through software algorithms, the system replicates the inspection function in the digital domain, allowing for precise measurement of gap widths and adhesive patterns without physical contact or complex mechanical measurement devices.
3Reliability
If edge strips are applied with heating and pressing, then bonding quality improves, but real-time quality verification is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs quality inspection of the butt joint immediately after the heating and pressing bonding process while the joint is still in its initial state. By capturing images right after bonding, the system evaluates the joint before any potential cooling-induced changes or handling damage occurs, enabling real-time verification of bonding quality and immediate detection of defects such as insufficient adhesive distribution or improper joint formation.
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
Automates the quality assessment of butt joints, reducing manual inspection time and ensuring only high-quality workpieces proceed to further processing, while allowing for real-time detection and correction of inadequate joints.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared camera, a hyperspectral camera, or a light section sensor
Implementation Method 2
attached while heating a connecting means provided on the edge strip and/or the workpiece
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
In the edge processing process, at least one edge strip (2, 2') is pressed onto the narrow side of a plate-shaped workpiece (1) made of wood or wood substitute material by means of a pressure device (31) with relative movement of the pressure device (31) and the workpiece (1). During this process, a connecting element provided on the edge strip (2, 2') and/or the workpiece (1) is applied while being heated. One end (2a') of the edge strip (2, 2') forms a butt joint (S) on the workpiece (1) with the other end (2a) of the edge strip (2, 2') or with an end of another edge strip. Alternatively, the side of the edge strip (2, 2') facing the workpiece (1) forms a joint joint with the workpiece (1).The edge strip(s) (2, 2'), in particular the butt area (S) or the joint area, is/are imaged by means of an imaging system tracked by the pressure device, in particular an infrared camera (33) or hyperspectral camera or a light section sensor.