Metering Needle Position Detection Using Reference Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for carrying out work processes on workpieces struggle with accurately determining the position of metering devices or metering needles relative to the work surface, particularly during system configuration or after multiple processes, which affects the accuracy of sealing contours when dispensing media.
Innovation Solution
The system employs contact detection means and position detection means using electromagnetic drives and optical devices to determine the vertical and horizontal positions of the metering element relative to the work surface, either through contact with a height reference surface or dispensing medium onto a target reference surface, allowing for precise positioning and detection without additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the metering device position is checked after system configuration or conversion, then the sealing contour accuracy is maintained, but additional time and operational steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs position determination of the metering device relative to the work surface as a preliminary step before actual media dispensing begins. The height reference surface and target reference surface are positioned in advance, and the metering needle position is determined before production runs, eliminating the need for repeated position checks during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (electromagnetic drives, transport units, reference surfaces) to perform the position determination function. The control device utilizes the electromagnetic drive's ability to position transport units and the reference surfaces already present in the system, rather than requiring separate external measurement equipment.
2Measurement precision
If contact detection means and position detection means are added to the system, then position determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic drives and transport units serve dual functions: they perform their primary function of conveying and positioning workpieces, and simultaneously serve as position determination means. The control device that controls the electromagnetic drives also processes the position determination data, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference surfaces (height reference surface and target reference surface) act as intermediaries between the metering device and the control system. These surfaces provide a stable, known reference that allows the system to determine metering needle position without requiring direct complex measurement equipment on the metering device itself.
3Productivity
If the metering needle position is not accurately determined, then the system operates faster, but the sealing contour accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Position determination is performed as a preliminary step before production begins. The system determines the metering needle position relative to the work surface using the reference surfaces, and this information is stored and used throughout production, allowing fast operation without repeated position verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device receives position information from the position determination process and uses this feedback to adjust or verify the metering device positioning. This ensures that the metering needle is at the correct position for accurate sealing contour formation before and during the dispensing process.
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
This approach enables simple and accurate position determination of the metering needle, ensuring precise alignment and maintaining the required sealing contour accuracy during media dispensing, thereby enhancing the overall work process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first transport unit (12) which is movable by an electromagnetic drive; wherein the lifting force ensures that the first or second transport unit hovers above the work surface
Implementation Method 2
contact detection means for detecting the contact of the metering element or similar element in a lowered position with a height reference surface; the contact detection means are designed to detect at least indirectly a height change of the height reference surface with respect to the work surface
Implementation Method 3
position detection means for detecting the medium dispensed by the metering element onto target reference surface arranged a second transport unit which is movable by an electromagnetic drive; the position detection means is at least one optical device
Data Source
AI summary
A system for carrying out work processes on workpieces or the like. The system includes: a work surface on which are arranged first transport units which are movable independently of one another by electromagnetic drives and are designed to remove the workpieces or the like from a first conveying device, subsequently to supply them to various process stations, for carrying out the work processes on the workpieces or the like, and finally to transfer the workpieces or the like to a second conveying device after the work processes have been carried out. The process stations include at least one metering device with a liftable and lowerable metering element, in particular a metering needle, for dispensing a medium to the workpieces.