Optical Edge Faceting for Homogeneous Small-Batch Beveling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for faceting workpiece edges, such as manual deburring or CNC-controlled systems, are inefficient and costly, particularly for small series production, leading to inhomogeneous coatings and increased personnel effort, which can result in coating flaking and corrosion protection failure.

Innovation Solution

A method using a device with a workpiece holder, measuring device, and driven faceting tool, allowing for automatic positioning and processing of workpiece edges with minimal programming, utilizing magnetic or vacuum fixation, optical measurement, and machine-controlled movement to create homogeneous facets without complex CNC programming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual deburring is used to facet workpiece edges, then personnel effort is reduced, but the resulting facets are inhomogeneous and require high skill levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidfacet homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical deburring with an automated system combining optical measurement and computer-controlled movement. A camera captures workpiece edge positions, a computer calculates facet toolpaths, and a motor-driven tool executes the faceting, eliminating manual operation while ensuring homogeneous facets through precise automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If CNC-controlled beveling is used to achieve homogeneous facets, then manufacturing precision is improved, but programming effort and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefacet homogeneityVSAvoidprogramming effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-measurement and self-programming. The camera automatically measures the workpiece edge geometry, and the computer automatically generates the facet toolpath based on the measured positions, eliminating the need for external programming effort while maintaining homogeneous facet quality through precise automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If manual deburring is used for small batch production, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and coating quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal system that combines a simple workpiece holder, camera, computer, and motor-driven tool into a multi-functional automated faceting device. This single system handles measurement, programming, and execution, providing high productivity for small batches without requiring complex dedicated CNC machinery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If manual deburring is used to prevent coating flaking, then coating quality is improved, but personnel effort and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating qualityVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual deburring with automated optical measurement and computer-controlled faceting. The camera quickly captures edge positions, the computer rapidly calculates toolpaths, and the motor-driven tool efficiently executes faceting, ensuring reliable coating quality without significant time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The method enables reliable, cost-effective, and efficient faceting with reduced personnel effort, achieving homogeneous facets and minimizing downtime, suitable for various workpiece geometries and materials, facilitating easy operation and quick learning for personnel.

Implementation Method 1

the position of the at least one workpiece edge relative to the workpiece holder on at least the first workpiece side of the workpiece is determined by the measuring device, wherein the measuring device detects the at least one workpiece edge on the at least one first workpiece side in the machine coordinate system of the device or in the coordinate system of the workpiece holder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical measurement: Light

Implementation Method 2

The workpiece is fixed to the workpiece holder magnetically and/or by means of negative pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic fixation: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

The workpiece is fixed to the workpiece holder magnetically and/or by means of negative pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Vacuum

Implementation Method 4

the at least one workpiece edge is traversed with the faceting tool, wherein while traversing the at least one workpiece edge, the faceting tool is brought into cutting contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMachine-controlled movement:

Data Source

PatentEP3801980B1Faceting method
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 MACK RIDES IP GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3801980B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to methods for faceting at least one workpiece edge (6) on at least one workpiece side (3, 4, 5) of at least one workpiece (2) by means of a device (1), comprising at least one workpiece receptacle (10), at least one measuring device (30) and at least one faceting tool (40) which can be moved relative to the workpiece receptacle (10), comprising the following method steps: - providing the at least one workpiece (2), - positioning and fixing the at least one workpiece (2) on the workpiece receptacle (10), - determining the position of the at least one workpiece edge (6) of the at least one workpiece (2) relative to the workpiece receptacle (10), and - moving along the at least one workpiece edge (6) with the at least one faceting tool (40) and initially working the facet.