Mapped Material Surface Guidance for Auto-Corrected Tool Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visual guides for tools on materials are difficult to follow manually, especially for complex paths, and mechanical guides are cumbersome to set up and lack flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses sensors, cameras, and positioning logic to accurately guide tools on materials by generating custom designs, determining tool positions, and automatically correcting deviations from a design path using servomechanisms, stepper motors, and eccentric mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual guides are drawn on material using measuring devices, then the tool can be guided along a path, but the guides are difficult for users to follow manually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual guidance with an automated optical guidance system. A camera captures images of the material surface and design features, while a processor automatically calculates tool positions and provides real-time guidance, eliminating the need for users to manually follow drawn visual guides.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the material surface and design by capturing images with a camera. This digital representation is then processed to generate precise tool path guidance, allowing the tool to follow the design path accurately without requiring manual interpretation of visual guides.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical guides such as railings or fences are put in place to assist the user in guiding the tool, then movement can be constrained, but the guides take time to set up and may not support complex paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical guides with a digital guidance system. The camera and processor capture and calculate tool paths for complex designs, providing flexibility and adaptability without requiring physical setup of railings or fences.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance system is dynamic and adaptable, allowing the tool to follow complex paths by processing real-time images and calculating appropriate tool positions. The system can accommodate various design complexities without requiring different physical guide structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hand tools are used to facilitate guiding a tool, then movement in one or more directions can be minimized, but the tools lack flexibility for complex paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual hand tools with an automated guidance system that uses camera imaging and processor calculations to precisely control tool movement. This provides both the precision needed for accurate path following and the flexibility to handle complex designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously captures images of the material surface and design features, processes this information to determine current tool position, and provides real-time feedback for adjusting tool movement. This closed-loop control ensures both precision and flexibility in following complex paths.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate generally to facilitate performing a task on a surface such as woodworking or printing. More specifically, in some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to mapping the surface of the material and determining the precise location of a tool in reference to the surface of a material. Some embodiments relate to obtaining and relating a design with the map of the material or displaying the current position of the tool on a display device. In some embodiments, the present disclosure facilitates adjusting, moving or auto-correcting the tool along a predetermined path such as, e.g., a cutting or drawing path. In some embodiments, the reference location may correspond to a design or plan obtained from obtained via an online design store