Laminating Device Gripper Positioning via CAD Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laminating methods and devices face challenges in precision and material efficiency, often resulting in distortion and wastage of film material during the lamination process, particularly when dealing with complex contours and free-form surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using CAD data to determine and train precise working, intermediate, and end positions for grippers, allowing for manual adjustment and simulation of gripper movements to optimize film placement and reduce material waste, utilizing a control device to automate these positions for improved accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional lamination methods are used without precise position teaching, then the lamination process is simpler and faster to set up, but the manufacturing precision and film material utilization are poor, resulting in distortion and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by teaching the control device the precise positions of grippers, carrier part holder, and sealing device before actual lamination operations. CAD data is processed in advance to generate position information, which is stored in the control device's memory. This pre-teaching eliminates the need for repeated positioning adjustments during production, achieving high manufacturing precision without increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital model of the laminating device and carrier part using CAD data. This virtual model is processed to generate position information that accurately represents the physical device's geometry and component locations. The control device uses this copied digital information to automatically determine gripper positions, eliminating manual measurement and positioning errors
2Manufacturing precision
If more film material is used to compensate for positioning errors, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but material waste increases and cost efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical trial-and-error positioning with an automated computer-controlled system. The control device uses processed CAD data to calculate and command precise gripper positions, replacing manual mechanical adjustment. This substitution ensures accurate film placement from the first attempt, eliminating the need to use excess material as a buffer for positioning errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling the laminating device to automatically determine and execute precise positioning without external intervention. The control device autonomously processes CAD data, calculates optimal gripper positions, and controls the actuators to achieve accurate film placement. This self-positioning capability eliminates material waste that would otherwise be needed to compensate for positioning inaccuracies
3Measurement precision
If manual teaching of each gripper position is performed, then high positioning precision is achieved, but the setup time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying to create a digital representation of the laminating device and its components using CAD data. This virtual model contains all geometric information about the carrier part, grippers, and other components. The control device processes this copied digital model to automatically generate position information, eliminating the need for manual measurement and teaching of each position, thus achieving high precision quickly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical teaching operations with automated computer-based processing. Instead of physically moving and measuring each component to teach positions, the system uses software to process CAD data and calculate positions mathematically. This substitution dramatically reduces setup time while maintaining or improving positioning precision
4Adaptability or versatility
If the laminating device is converted for different carrier parts, then versatility is improved, but the conversion process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control device with a standardized interface that can process CAD data for various types of carrier parts and laminating tools. The system uses a universal data processing methodology that automatically adapts to different geometries and configurations. This allows the same device to handle diverse carrier parts without requiring physical reconfiguration or complex conversion procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying to enable versatility by loading digital CAD models of different carrier parts into the control device's memory. Each carrier part's digital model contains all necessary geometric information. The control device processes the appropriate digital model to generate position information for that specific part type, allowing rapid switching between different carrier parts without physical conversion of the device
Data Source
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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 working positions, designated intermediate positions and/or designated end positions, into 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.