Hollow Component Marking Machine with Synchronous Camera Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marking machines face complexity in controlling the quality of marking on shaped parts with non-circular cross-sections, particularly those with varying radii of curvature, as the movement required for camera positioning becomes intricate.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a marking member and two mandrels that allow parts to be rotated and translated in two perpendicular axes, with a camera moving synchronously to maintain a focal distance and correct for vibrations, enabling simple camera movement regardless of part profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera is used to control marking quality on parts with non-circular cross-sections and varying radii of curvature, then marking quality can be monitored, but the camera movement becomes complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the camera to track the marking point on complex-shaped parts, the invention inverts the approach by moving the part under a stationary camera. The mandrel rotates and translates the part while the camera remains fixed, simplifying the movement mechanism while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel serves multiple functions: it supports the part, rotates it for marking, translates it to position different sections under the marking member, and simultaneously positions the part under the stationary camera for quality control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex positioning mechanisms
2Reliability
If separate stations are used for marking and quality control, then each function can be optimized, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the marking station and quality control station into a single integrated unit. The marking member and camera are positioned to operate on opposite sides of the same mandrel, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously on the same part in the same workspace, reducing overall system complexity
3Measurement precision
If the camera is moved to maintain focal distance from the marked surface, then image quality is maintained, but the movement synchronization becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than actively moving the camera to maintain focal distance, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the camera stationary and moving the part to bring different sections into the camera's fixed focal plane. This eliminates complex camera movement synchronization while maintaining focus quality
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~7
AI summary
This part marking machine (1) comprises a marking element (51) intended to be in contact with a part at least at one line of tangency for marking purposes, as well as a first (12) and a second (14) mandrels adapted to support, respectively, a first part to be marked and a second part that has already been marked. A control camera (7) is positioned at the focal distance of the marked surface of the second part. The first mandrel is adapted to move the first part relative to the marking element, and the movement of the second mandrel (14) is servo-controlled and identical to that of the first mandrel (12). The camera (7) is adapted to move parallel to, and synchronously with, the line of tangency between the marking element and the first part.