LED-Guided Clamping Positioning for Faster Workpiece Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for woodworking machines lack intuitive and efficient positioning methods, often requiring manual alignment and multiple steps to verify correct placement of clamping elements, leading to potential errors and increased setup time.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a positioning system using individually activatable light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that display target or actual parameters such as target position, size, alignment, clamping status, and machine status through different colors and flashing patterns, allowing for intuitive and precise positioning of clamping elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning methods are used for clamping devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning precision and setup time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an optical signaling system using LEDs. The positioning device uses light-emitting diodes to visually indicate target positions and clamping status, eliminating the need for manual measurement and alignment tools while improving positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces LED signaling as an intermediary between the positioning system and the operator. The LEDs serve as a visual mediator that communicates position and status information, reducing the complexity of direct mechanical interaction while improving positioning accuracy.
2Loss of information
If multiple display elements are used to show positioning information, then the information completeness is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple positioning and status display functions into a single integrated positioning device. The device combines target position indication, clamping status monitoring, and alignment guidance into one unified LED-based system, improving information completeness while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device performs multiple functions simultaneously: indicating target positions, showing clamping status, and providing alignment guidance all through the same LED signaling system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate display elements while comprehensively conveying all necessary positioning information.
3Loss of information
If visual signaling with multiple colors is used, then the information differentiation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different LED colors to differentiate various positioning and status information. The system employs color-coded signaling where specific colors represent different clamping states, target positions, or alignment conditions, enabling clear information differentiation through a relatively simple optical mechanism.
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 solution enables quick, precise, and error-reduced setup of clamping devices, allowing operators to easily verify the correct positioning of all elements at a glance, thereby simplifying the clamping process and reducing setup time.
Implementation Method 1
the positioning device having a plurality of individually activatable light-emitting diodes, wherein at least one desired or actual parameter for the at least one clamping means can be displayed by at least one activated light-emitting diode
Data Source
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AI summary
Clamping device (1) for clamping a workpiece (W) to be machined, in particular a plate-shaped workpiece, comprising: - a machine frame (2), - at least one clamping device (3) movable relative to the machine frame (2) and connectable to the machine frame (2), and - at least one positioning device (4) for positioning the at least one clamping device (3) relative to the machine frame (2), wherein the positioning device (4) has a plurality of individually activatable light-emitting diodes (5), wherein at least one activated light-emitting diode (5) can indicate at least one target or actual parameter (P) for the at least one clamping device (3), wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes (5) is designed to emit light (L) of at least two different wavelengths in the visible wavelength range.