Guided Tool Positioning With Marker Detection and Dust Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visual guides on materials can be difficult for users to follow manually, and determining the precise position of a tool on the material surface is challenging, especially with the presence of dust that obscures markers.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a rig or frame with sensors and cameras to accurately position a tool on a material surface, using location markers and force sensors to detect the tool's position and adjust its path according to a predetermined design, while also incorporating a dust management system to clear debris from the tool's line of sight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual guides are drawn on material, then the material surface can be marked for positioning, but it becomes difficult for users to follow manually and determine tool position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual following with an automated sensor-based positioning system. Sensors detect location markers on the material surface and automatically determine tool position, eliminating the need for users to manually track visual guides. This substitution of mechanical/visual tracking with electronic sensing resolves the contradiction by improving measurement precision while removing manual operation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces location markers as intermediaries between the tool and material surface. These markers serve as detectable reference points that facilitate automated position detection without requiring direct visual interpretation by the user. The markers act as a mediator that translates physical position into detectable signals for the sensing system.
2Measurement precision
If location markers are placed on material surface, then tool position can be detected, but dust generated during cutting obscures the markers and interferes with detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes dust particles from the detection environment using a vacuum system. The vacuum source creates negative pressure that draws dust away from the marker area, clearing the field of view for sensors. This extraction of the harmful dust factor resolves the contradiction by maintaining marker detectability despite the presence of dust-generating cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of dust into a beneficial airflow pattern. By positioning the vacuum source to create suction, the dust that would normally obscure markers is instead drawn away in a controlled manner, clearing the detection area. The same dust particles that cause interference are redirected to serve the benefit of maintaining clear marker visibility.
3Measurement precision
If a rig or frame with sensors is used to automatically position the tool, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the tool assembly, including cutting operations, sensor detection, marker recognition, and automated positioning control. By combining these functions into a single multi-functional system rather than separate components, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high positioning accuracy through coordinated operation of integrated subsystems.
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
The system enables precise and reliable positioning of tools on material surfaces, ensuring accurate execution of tasks like cutting or drawing by overcoming the challenges of dust interference and manual error, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of woodworking or printing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The computing device can identify, via the sensor, a first value of a parameter indicative of an amount of force exerted by a portion of the base on the working surface
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum may be coupled to the tool such that the dust can be extracted via the channel
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to calibrating position detection for a tool. The tool can use a sensor to detect a first value of a parameter. The tool can use a motor to extend the working member of the tool towards a working surface. The tool can include a base. The tool can detect, with the working member in contact with the working service, a second value of the parameter. The tool can determine a z-axis position of the working member relative to the working surface.