Movable Workpiece Clamp Detection for Low-Power Position Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Numerically controlled working centers face high energy consumption and false positive detection issues due to always-active electronic components in suction cups, which are not accurately positioned, leading to inefficient energy use and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A movable element with a detecting and processing unit that compares acceleration values with reference thresholds, switching between energy-saving and active configurations based on correct positioning and orientation, using an accelerometer and microcontrollers to verify position and orientation through image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic components of suction cups are always active to detect positioning, then detection capability is improved, but energy consumption increases and component lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic components are activated periodically only when needed - specifically when the suction cup is positioned on the bar and the code reading device needs to read the code. The system transitions between active and sleep states, activating sensors and processors only during positioning events rather than continuously, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection capability when required.
2Reliability
If electronic components remain active during transport to warehouse, then detection system is ready, but energy is wasted and component life shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on the suction cup's location and function. When transported to the warehouse or not positioned on a bar, the electronic components enter a low-power sleep mode. When positioned on a bar, the system activates to perform detection and code reading. This dynamic state transition extends component lifecycle while maintaining reliability when needed.
3Measurement precision
If accelerometer detects false position values, then positioning is confirmed, but false positives occur and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from multiple sources to verify positioning accuracy. The code reading device reads the code on the bar as a verification that the suction cup is correctly positioned. This feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish between true positioning events and false positives from accelerometer noise, improving detection reliability while preventing unnecessary energy consumption from incorrect activations.
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
Reduces energy consumption by maintaining components in a power-saving state unless correctly positioned, preventing malfunctions and false positives by accurately detecting movement and orientation, thereby extending component lifespan and ensuring reliable machining operations.
Implementation Method 1
detecting at least one acceleration value of said movable element along at least one axis of a Cartesian reference tern
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a movable element (24a,b,...,k,...n) for blocking workpieces, couplable to a working plane (2) comprised in a working center (C) for working pieces made of wood, ceramic, plastic, glass, fiberglass, comprising a detecting and processing unit (Da,b,...,k,...n) configured for: detecting at least one acceleration value of said movable element (24a,b,...,k,...n) along at least one axis of a Cartesian reference tern (X,Y,Z); and comparing said at least one acceleration value with a reference acceleration threshold (S1). The present invention also relates to a working center (C) for machining pieces of wood, ceramic, plastic, glass, fiberglass. The present invention also relates to a method (5) for detecting at least one movement and orientation of a movable element (24a,b,...,k,...n), for clamping workpieces.