Optical Endpoint Marking for Substrate Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for separating substrates along a dividing line require users to convert end points into coordinates, which is error-prone, and often rely on manual switch-off mechanisms that are inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates optical display elements, signal generators, and detector devices to mark and automatically control the end points of the dividing line, allowing operators to easily mark the end points without converting lengths or coordinates, and uses laser or ultrasonic distance measuring systems for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If users manually convert end points into coordinates and enter them into the control device, then the separating device can perform the cutting operation, but the process becomes error-prone and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveendpoint positioning accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of coordinate conversion and data entry with an optical measurement system. The optical display element projects a visual marker at the endpoint, and the detector device automatically detects this marker to obtain coordinate information, eliminating the need for manual calculation and input operations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-measurement and self-data-entry through the optical display and detection mechanism. The endpoint position is automatically determined by the detector device receiving the optical signal, and the control device automatically processes this information without requiring user intervention for coordinate conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If a switch-off ruler display device is used to mark the end point, then the device can indicate the endpoint position, but it requires manual intervention and switches off the saw unit inefficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveendpoint marking accuracyVSAvoidcutting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical switch-off ruler with an optical display element that projects a visual marker (such as a laser line or light spot) to indicate the endpoint position. This optical system provides continuous visual guidance without requiring physical contact or manual switching operations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The detector device continuously monitors the optical signal from the display element and provides real-time feedback to the control device. When the optical marker is detected at the intended endpoint position, the system automatically stops the cutting operation, creating a closed-loop control system that improves both precision and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If optical display elements with signal generators and detector devices are used to mark end points, then automatic control is enabled and coordinate conversion is eliminated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic endpoint detectionVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical display element and detector device serve multiple functions: they mark the endpoint position visually, provide automatic coordinate detection, and enable real-time feedback control. This multi-functional approach consolidates several operations into a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity despite the advanced technology used.

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

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 enables accurate and error-free marking and control of the separating device, reducing user intervention and improving the precision of the cutting process by automatically transferring end points to the surface, thus enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the substrate separation.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second display devices (21A, 21B) have an optical display element (22) which marks the end point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The structure of the display devices consisting of an optical display element, a signal generator and a detector device enables an automatic control method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Data Source

PatentEP2607003B1Device for separating an underground and method for controlling such a separator device
Publication Date: 2015.07.29 HILTI AG
  • EP2607003B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2607003B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2607003B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Device (1) for separating a substrate (2) along a separation line comprising a saw unit (3) with a saw blade (6) rotatable about a pivot axis (7), a guide carriage (15) for moving the saw unit (3) along a guide rail (13), and a control device (18) for controlling the saw unit (3) and the guide carriage (15). A display device (21A) is provided for marking an endpoint (EA, EB) of the separation line.