Laser Cut-Path Visualization for Workpiece Alignment Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting machines risk damaging the cutting tool or workpiece due to incorrect programming, leading to potential damage from aggressive or misplaced cuts.
Innovation Solution
A method that visualizes planned processing steps on a workpiece using a light emitting device, such as a laser beam, to reduce manual intervention and allow operators to simulate and verify cutting sequences before execution, including alignment marks for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic cutting sequences are programmed without visualization, then productivity is improved through automation, but the risk of damaging the cutting tool or workpiece increases due to incorrect programming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary visualization of the cutting sequence using a light-emitting device to show where cuts will be made before the actual cutting operation begins. This allows operators to verify the programmed sequence and prevent damage by identifying errors in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The visualization system provides immediate visual feedback to the operator by projecting the cutting path onto or near the workpiece, allowing real-time verification and correction of the programmed cutting sequence before execution.
2Reliability
If operators manually verify each cutting step, then reliability is improved by preventing damage, but productivity decreases due to increased manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-verification through automatic visualization of the cutting sequence, allowing the machine to inform the operator of the planned cuts without requiring continuous manual inspection or intervention at each cutting step.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting sequence is visualized in advance before execution, enabling the operator to perform a single verification step rather than continuously monitoring each cutting operation, thus maintaining reliability while improving productivity.
3Device complexity
If complex cutting sequences are programmed without simulation capability, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision decreases due to inability to verify cutting paths
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy or representation of the cutting sequence using light emission, projecting the planned cut paths onto the workpiece or surrounding area. This allows verification of complex cutting sequences without adding physical complexity to the cutting mechanism itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting sequence is simulated and visualized before execution, allowing operators to verify the accuracy of complex cutting paths and make corrections before actual cutting begins, thereby ensuring manufacturing precision.
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
This approach reduces the risk of damage by enabling precise alignment and verification of cutting sequences, saving time during programming and ensuring accurate cuts, even in complex cutting operations.
Implementation Method 1
A processing machine for carrying out processing steps on a workpiece mounted in the machine, wherein the processing machine comprises a light emitting device for visualizing a succession of individual planned processing steps to be sequentially applied to the workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A method of indicating processing steps to be carried out on a workpiece mounted in processing machine, the method comprising a step of visualizing at the same time or sequentially a succession of individual planned processing steps to be applied to the workpiece, prior to execution of said processing steps and a processing machine comprising a processing unit, a moving table and a controller.