Hybrid Position Locating System for Manufacturing Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
In manufacturing environments, manual inspection methods are time-consuming and less accurate, especially when dealing with large workpieces, and conventional localization technologies like laser tracking systems are costly and lack the desired precision.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid position locating system combining an ultra-wide band radio frequency tag and a retro reflective target, along with a macro and micro position locator, to accurately determine the location of tools within manufacturing environments, enhancing precision and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection methods are used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but inspection accuracy and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated optical measurement system. The laser tracker automatically measures workpiece features and the system automatically identifies inspection locations based on sampling plans, eliminating manual measurement tools and operations while improving both accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning and self-identification of inspection locations. The automated system independently determines workpiece locations, identifies sampling points, and executes measurements without continuous operator intervention, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining high precision.
2Measurement precision
If conventional laser tracking systems are used, then location accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function into two distinct components: a macro position locator for coarse positioning and a micro position locator for fine positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving high overall accuracy while reducing total system cost compared to using a single high-precision laser tracking system for all positioning tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning system that works between the workpiece and the final measurement system. The macro and micro position locators serve as intermediary devices that prepare and refine position information before it reaches the laser tracker, thereby reducing the burden on the expensive laser tracking system and optimizing overall system cost-effectiveness.
3Productivity
If manual location input is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but time consumption and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual location input operations with an automated position identification system. The system automatically captures workpiece positions using sensors and cameras, and automatically identifies inspection locations based on sampling plans, eliminating manual data entry while improving both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where position data is continuously captured, processed, and used to automatically adjust and confirm inspection locations. This feedback mechanism ensures high location accuracy while maintaining rapid operation speeds, as the system self-corrects and validates positions without manual intervention.
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 provides accurate location identification of tools to within ±0.25 inches, improving efficiency and reducing operator hours, while being cost-effective and seamlessly integrating with existing work measurement and management systems.
Implementation Method 1
A refined location of the tool is identified using the approximate location and a micro position locator
Implementation Method 2
An operation is performed on a workpiece using a tool. The tool is detected within a manufacturing environment using a macro position locator
Data Source
AI summary
A tool within a manufacturing environment is located using a macro position locator to form an approximate location. A refined location is identified using the approximate location, a retro reflective target attached to the tool, and a laser tracking system.