Laminating Device Gripper Path Control via CAD Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laminating methods and devices face challenges in precision and efficiency, particularly in saving film material and preventing distortion during the lamination process, as they struggle to accurately follow complex contours and adapt to varying shapes of both the film element and the carrier part.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using CAD data to determine and train precise paths or path curves for grippers, allowing them to be moved along designated routes, either manually or with motorized control, to grip and position the film element accurately on the carrier part, reducing waste and optimizing film usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If traditional laminating methods are used, then the lamination process can be completed, but film material is wasted due to inability to closely follow complex contours

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm material wasteVSAvoidcontour following precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining and storing the exact movement paths of grippers before the actual lamination process. CAD data of the carrier part is processed in advance to calculate optimal gripper trajectories that closely follow complex contours, enabling precise film placement without material waste during the actual lamination operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual or simple mechanical positioning with a computer-controlled system that uses CAD data processing and electronic control to determine gripper paths. This substitution of mechanical intuition with computational geometry enables precise contour following that minimizes film material consumption while maintaining lamination quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If complex contours are followed manually, then positioning can be achieved, but the programming process becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidprogramming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses copying by taking the CAD data (computer-aided design data) of the carrier part's contour and directly using it to generate gripper movement paths. Instead of manually programming complex trajectories, the system copies the geometric data from the design model and automatically translates it into control commands, simplifying the programming process while maintaining high positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the CAD data and the gripper control. A control device acts as an intermediary that processes the CAD data, calculates the optimal gripper paths, and generates the movement commands. This intermediary system automates the complex programming task and reduces manual intervention while achieving precise contour following.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If grippers are positioned manually, then setup can be completed, but setup and conversion time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripper positioning accuracyVSAvoidsetup and conversion time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the optimal gripper paths based on CAD data before the actual lamination operation. The control device determines and stores the movement paths in advance, so that during setup and conversion, the system can directly execute the pre-planned paths without manual positioning, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining and executing the gripper paths based on the loaded CAD data. The control device autonomously processes the design data, calculates the optimal trajectories, and controls the gripper movements without requiring manual intervention during setup and conversion operations, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3880472B1Method for learning and/or operating a laminating method and/or a laminating device, method for laminating a film element, method for installing and conversing of a laminating device for laminating a film elmeent, device for laminating a film element and teaching station as well as film element.
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 LISA DRAXLMAIER GMBH
  • EP3880472B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3880472B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3880472B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for teaching and/or operating a laminating method and/or a laminating device for laminating a film element on a substrate part, in which designated path routes, in particular designated path curves, along which grippers for gripping the film element are subsequently moved to laminate the film element, are determined and taught by means of CAD data of the substrate part and/or the film element.