Laser Cutter Height Measurement With Safe In-Chamber Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines, particularly laser cutter/engravers, face challenges in safely routing electromagnetic radiation and preventing light from entering or escaping, which complicates the use of machine vision for monitoring and control due to regulatory guidelines and the risk of material destruction if uncontrolled.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a wide-angle viewing system with cameras inside the CNC machine, including a movable head and interlock systems to prevent electromagnetic energy emission when the openable barrier is not closed, allowing for image generation and processing to enhance safety and precision during operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a wide-angle viewing system with cameras is incorporated inside the CNC machine, then monitoring and control capability is improved, but safety risk from electromagnetic radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interior space is segmented by an openable barrier that can be positioned in open and closed states. This segmentation allows the system to isolate the electromagnetic radiation source from the camera system when needed, while still permitting monitoring when the barrier is closed and radiation is contained.
Solution Approach 2:
The openable barrier is designed to be dynamically positionable between open and closed states, allowing the system to adapt its safety configuration based on operational requirements. The interlock system dynamically controls electromagnetic energy emission based on the barrier position, enabling flexible monitoring while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If an interlock system is implemented to prevent electromagnetic energy emission when the barrier is open, then safety is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock system continuously monitors the position of the openable barrier and provides feedback control to the electromagnetic energy source. When the barrier is detected in the open position, the interlock automatically prevents emission; when closed, emission is permitted. This feedback mechanism ensures safety while maintaining full operational flexibility during proper configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically enforces safety protocols through the interlock without requiring manual intervention. The interlock self-monitors barrier position and self-regulates electromagnetic energy emission accordingly, eliminating the need for external safety management while preserving operational flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time image processing is performed to enhance operational accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Image processing operations are performed in advance during periods when the CNC machine is not actively cutting or engraving. The system captures images during idle transitions and processes them before the next operational phase, thereby enhancing precision without extending the actual manufacturing cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
Image capture and processing occur periodically at strategically chosen intervals rather than continuously during all operations. This periodic approach allows sufficient time for detailed image processing to improve precision while minimizing the time lost to processing, by scheduling processing during natural pauses in the manufacturing cycle.
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 safe and precise monitoring and control of CNC machine operations, improving safety by preventing unintended light emission and enhancing operational accuracy through real-time image processing and data-driven adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an openable barrier that attenuates transmission of light between the interior space and an exterior of the computer numerically controlled machine when the openable barrier is in a closed position
Implementation Method 2
An image is generated including at least half of the working area with at least one camera
Implementation Method 3
a movable head configured to deliver electromagnetic energy to a part of a working area... to effect a change in a material
Data Source
AI summary
A computer numerically controlled machine may include a movable head configured to deliver electromagnetic energy to a part of a working area in which the movable head may be commanded to cause delivery of the electromagnetic energy. The interior space may be defined by a housing and may include an openable barrier that attenuates transmission of light between the interior space and an exterior of the computer numerically controlled machine when the openable barrier is in a closed position. The computer numerically controlled machine may include an interlock that prevents emission of the electromagnetic energy when detecting that the openable barrier is not in the closed position. The commanding may result in the computer numerically controlled machine executing operations of a motion plan for causing movement of the movable head to deliver the electromagnetic energy to effect a change in a material at least partially contained within the interior space.