Machining System With Remote Operator Interface For Diverse Workpieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing systems require specialized personnel for operation and are limited to producing a single type of product, with high maintenance effort and lack of user-friendliness, making them inefficient for diverse applications and customer convenience.

Innovation Solution

A processing system that allows users to select nearby processing systems through an operator software, displaying utilization, processing time, and distance, enabling remote operation and product pickup, with a user-friendly interface and automated data transmission, reducing the need for on-site specialist support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a processing system uses specialized personnel for operation and standardized software, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but ease of operation and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoiduser-friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables customers to independently operate the processing device through a simplified touchscreen interface that guides them through product selection, design input, and processing parameters without requiring specialized knowledge. The device serves itself by automatically managing complex processing tasks that previously required trained stamp makers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A touchscreen display interface acts as an intermediary between the customer and the complex processing system, translating simple user inputs into precise machining operations. This mediator layer shields users from technical complexity while maintaining processing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If a processing system is designed for a single product type, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoidproduct diversity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The processing device is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple product types including stamps, tags, pendants, and other engraved items through a single integrated system. The database stores diverse product templates and the laser processing system automatically adapts to different materials and geometries.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its processing parameters, laser power, speed, and focus based on the selected product type and material properties. The device transitions between different processing modes seamlessly without requiring physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If a processing system requires manual positioning and setup, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual mechanical positioning and setup operations are replaced by an automated computer-controlled system with touchscreen interface. The system automatically calculates and executes precise positioning, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining or improving accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Product templates, processing parameters, and positioning data are pre-configured in the database for various product types. When a customer selects a product, the system automatically retrieves and applies the pre-prepared settings, eliminating time-consuming manual setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If a processing system is operated by specialist staff, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and maintenance effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be self-managing with automatic error detection, self-diagnosis, and user-friendly troubleshooting through the touchscreen interface. Complex maintenance tasks are minimized through automated components and simplified mechanical designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor processing parameters, detect errors, and provide real-time status information to users through the display. This automated feedback loop maintains precision without requiring constant specialist supervision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances user-friendliness, reduces maintenance effort, and allows for diverse product processing without requiring specialized on-site personnel, enabling efficient and cost-effective coverage for customers by allowing product creation and pickup at convenient locations.

Implementation Method 1

A laser plotter for engraving, marking and/or inscribing a workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The laser plotter is used for inserting a stamp pad with a composite part, in particular a foam, arranged in it into the processing area, whereupon predetermined parting lines are produced by cutting the foam with the laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP3388248B1Machining system for multiple different workpieces and method for same
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 TROTEC LASER LTD
  • EP3388248B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3388248B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3388248B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention describes a method and a processing system (1) comprising at least one processing area (3), a control area (4), an input area (4a), and optionally a recording area (5) and/or a presentation area (5), wherein a user can input text and/or graphics 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 the display element (11) is equipped with a connection system (16) for data exchange with another connection system (16) in the processing system (1), wherein the location-independent display element (11) automatically suggests or selects the connection with the nearest processing system (1). A selection list of the nearest processing systems can be accessed or displayed in the operator software, with a utilization or...a processing time for carrying out a processing process and the distance to the location of the display element (11) is shown.