Machining System Code Detection for Workpiece Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing systems for engraving and marking require skilled personnel for operation and positioning, limiting user-friendliness and increasing maintenance efforts, as they often require specialist knowledge for data entry and product-specific setups.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a reading system on the display element that detects workpieces via a unique code, allowing automatic data retrieval and simplifying administration, enabling users to scan codes for product information and reducing the need for manual data entry, with a user-friendly interface for independent operation by non-specialist personnel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If specialist personnel are required for positioning and adjustment, then processing precision can be maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects workpiece codes and retrieves corresponding processing parameters from the database without requiring specialist personnel for manual positioning and adjustment. The reading system and control unit work together to self-configure the processing parameters based on the detected code, eliminating the need for expert intervention while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual positioning and adjustment process is replaced by an automated optical/electronic system consisting of a reading system that detects codes and a control unit that automatically retrieves and applies the correct processing parameters from the database, substituting mechanical specialist operations with automated information processing.

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

2Device complexity

If only one type of product can be processed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The processing system is designed to handle multiple different workpiece types by incorporating a reading system that detects various codes and a database that stores processing parameters for different workpiece kinds. The control unit automatically retrieves the appropriate parameters based on the detected code, enabling a single device to perform multiple processing functions without increasing physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A code database acts as an intermediary between the reading system and the processing device. The database stores processing parameters for various workpiece types and retrieves the appropriate parameters based on detected codes, mediating between the universal reading system and the specific processing requirements of different workpiece kinds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If manual data entry is required, then data accuracy can be verified, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual data entry is replaced by an automated code detection and database retrieval system. The reading system automatically scans the workpiece code, and the control unit automatically fetches the corresponding processing parameters from the database, eliminating manual typing while maintaining data accuracy through the structured database system.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of manually entering data, the system copies processing parameters directly from the database using the workpiece code as a key. This automated copying process eliminates manual data entry errors and significantly speeds up the setup process compared to manual typing and verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Manufacturing precision

If specialist personnel are required for operation, then processing quality is maintained, but loss of time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing qualityVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Processing parameters for different workpiece types are pre-stored in the database with their corresponding codes. When a workpiece is placed on the device, the system immediately detects the code and retrieves the pre-prepared parameters, eliminating the time-consuming process of specialist personnel manually configuring settings while ensuring quality through pre-validated parameter sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3388247B1Machining system for multiple different workpieces
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 TROTEC LASER LTD
  • EP3388247B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3388247B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3388247B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention describes a machining system (1) comprising at least one machining area (3), a control area (4), an input area (4a), and optionally a receiving area (5) and/or a presentation area (5), wherein text and/or graphics can be entered by a user via an input and/or display element (11) in operator software installed therein, which can be transferred to control software running in the control area (4), wherein a reading system for capturing a code (29) is arranged. The reading system (27) is integrated into the display element (11), wherein the reading system (27) is integrated for capturing the workpiece (9) via a code (29) attached to the workpiece (9), and the data stored for this workpiece (9) can be retrieved by operator software at an input device (11) or display element (11).