Narrow-Side Machining with 3D Detection and Pre-Clamped Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining devices for processing narrow sides of workpieces, such as plate-shaped materials, face challenges in achieving high precision and consistency due to the need for precise alignment of reference edges with optical and three-dimensional structures on the main side, which is not adequately addressed by current technologies.

Innovation Solution

A processing device equipped with a detection system, like a CCD camera, to evaluate the workpiece's optical and three-dimensional structure during movement, allowing for precise alignment of the reference edge by controlling the processing device based on real-time detection data, ensuring accurate positioning and machining even when the workpiece is clamped.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the workpiece is clamped between the detection device and the processing device, then the position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The workpiece is clamped in advance between the detection device and the processing device before detection and machining operations occur. This preliminary clamping action ensures that the workpiece maintains a fixed position throughout the entire process, preventing any position changes that would compromise machining accuracy. The clamping is established before the detection device captures the optical/three-dimensional structure, ensuring consistent reference frame throughout the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If real-time detection data is used to control the processing device, then the machining precision is improved, but the data transmission volume and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining precisionVSAvoiddata transmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device captures the optical and/or three-dimensional structure of the workpiece in advance, before the processing device performs machining operations. This preliminary detection allows the system to pre-calculate the required processing parameters and positions, so that when machining begins, the processing device can execute pre-planned movements with minimal real-time computation delay. The detection results are processed offline to generate the machining path, separating the detection phase from the execution phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the optical and three-dimensional structure is detected during workpiece movement, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddetection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device captures the workpiece structure during movement, but the actual measurement and analysis are performed after the workpiece has been clamped and stabilized. The system records the optical and/or three-dimensional structure while the workpiece is conveyed, then uses this captured data to determine processing parameters once the workpiece is in its final clamped position. This approach allows continuous processing flow while ensuring measurements are taken from a stable, fixed reference frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enhances machining accuracy and production quality by maintaining the exact position of the detected structure throughout processing, reducing data transmission volume and enabling precise control with minimal latency, thus improving the alignment and machining precision of the reference edge.

Implementation Method 1

a detection device for capturing an optical and/or three-dimensional structure from the workpiece as it moves via the conveyor system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP3498423B1Processing device for processing the narrow side of a workpiece and method
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP3498423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3498423B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Machining device (10) comprising: a machining unit (16) for machining a narrow side of a workpiece (W), a conveying unit (11) for moving the workpiece (W) in a transport direction relative to the machining unit (16), a detection unit (15) for detecting an optical and/or three-dimensional structure of the workpiece (W) moved by means of the conveying unit (11), and a holding unit (12) for holding the workpiece (W) on the conveying unit (11) at least between the position of the detection unit (15) and the machining unit (16).