Guided Tool Position Calibration Under Dust and Surface Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visual guides on materials are difficult for users to follow manually, and determining the position of a tool on the material is challenging, especially with dust interference during tasks like cutting wood.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rig or frame with sensors and cameras that can accurately position a tool on a material by detecting location markers and adjusting for dust interference, using force sensors to determine the tool's position and calibrate its movement along a predetermined path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual guides are drawn on material, then positioning information is provided, but users have difficulty following them manually and determining tool position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual tracking with an automated sensor system. Sensors mounted on the tool detect fiducial markers on the material surface, and a processing system automatically calculates tool position and provides feedback control, eliminating the need for manual visual following while achieving precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fiducial markers as intermediaries between the tool and the material surface. These markers serve as detectable reference points that enable the sensor system to accurately determine tool position relative to the material, solving the problem of difficult manual positioning.
2Productivity
If cutting tools are used on material, then material processing is achieved, but dust is generated that interferes with marker detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts dust particles from the detection environment using a vacuum system. The vacuum source creates negative pressure that draws dust away from the marker area, ensuring that fiducial markers remain visible and detectable by sensors even during active cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of dust generation into a beneficial airflow pattern. The vacuum system utilizes the dust-laden airflow naturally generated by cutting and directs it through filtration, simultaneously removing the interference while maintaining cutting efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If force sensors are used to detect tool contact with surface, then position information is obtained, but the system must distinguish between light and firm contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control using force sensors that continuously monitor contact between the tool and material surface. The system processes force magnitude data to distinguish between light contact (approach phase) and firm contact (cutting phase), automatically adjusting tool position or operation mode based on the detected contact state.
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
Enables precise and reliable guidance of tools on materials, improving accuracy and efficiency by overcoming dust interference and manual positioning challenges, allowing for precise alignment and task execution.
Implementation Method 1
The system can include sensors, cameras or positioning logic to determine the tool's position on the material
Implementation Method 2
a fan of the tool may direct the dust towards the cavity
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum may be coupled to the tool such that the dust can be extracted via the channel
Implementation Method 4
The system, method or apparatus can determine changes in the force exerted by the tip of the tool (e.g., a cutting bit) in order to determine when the tip of the cutting tool is touching or pressing against the surface of the material
Data Source
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.