Miter Fence Positioning With Visual Ruler Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-driven positioning systems for miter saws require encoders or feedback devices to accurately position stop surfaces, adding complexity and cost to the automated repositioning process.
Innovation Solution
A positioning mechanism using a rotary motor with incremental control, a visual sensor, and a ruler strip with position indicators to determine the position of the stop surface without the need for an encoder, allowing for precise and repeatable positioning of the stop surface relative to the cutting axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an encoder or feedback device is used to accurately position the stop surface, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the encoder/feedback device from the positioning system. Instead of using complex feedback mechanisms, the invention uses a simple ruler strip with position indicators that can be visually detected, eliminating the need for encoders and their associated complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of position information through the ruler strip with position indicators. Rather than using electronic feedback from an encoder, the system uses visual markings that replicate position data, allowing the controller to determine position through image processing of these visual indicators
2Measurement precision
If an encoder or feedback device is used to accurately position the stop surface, then positioning precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive electronic feedback devices with inexpensive visual indicators on a ruler strip. The position indicators are simple visual markers that can be manufactured at low cost, eliminating the need for costly encoders and feedback electronics while maintaining positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual copies of position information through ruler markings instead of expensive electronic sensors. The ruler strip with position indicators provides a low-cost alternative to encoder feedback, allowing the system to determine position through image processing rather than expensive electronic measurement
3Manufacturing precision
If a motor-driven system with encoder feedback is used, then automated repositioning accuracy is improved, but control scheme complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the feedback component from the control system. Instead of using encoder feedback loops, the invention uses open-loop control where the controller sends commands to the motor and determines position independently through visual detection of ruler indicators, eliminating complex feedback control schemes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual detection system between the motor and controller. The ruler strip with position indicators serves as an intermediary that provides position information to the controller through visual detection, replacing the direct electronic feedback path of an encoder and simplifying the control architecture
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 solution reduces complexity and cost by eliminating the need for feedback devices, enabling precise and repeatable positioning of the stop surface while maintaining accuracy and efficiency in the automated repositioning process.
Implementation Method 1
a position detection system comprising a visual sensor coupled to the stop mechanism and a ruler strip. The ruler strip includes a plurality of spaced apart position indicators configured for detection by the visual sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A miter saw assembly includes a cutting tool configured to perform a cut along a cutting axis. A stop mechanism is linearly translatable in a first direction. A rotary motor includes a selectively rotatable rotor and a motion conversion mechanism configured to transform rotary motion of the rotor to linear motion of the stop mechanism in the first direction. A controller is configured to selectively rotate the rotor to cause linear translation of the stop mechanism toward or away from the cutting axis. A position detection system includes a visual sensor coupled to the stop mechanism and a ruler strip. The ruler strip includes a plurality of spaced apart position indicators configured for detection by the visual sensor in order to determine a position of the stop mechanism relative to the cutting axis of the cutting tool via position correlating perform by the controller.