Optical Tool Positioning for Complex Material Surface Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visual guides and mechanical guides for tools are difficult to follow manually and may limit movement or require time to set up, failing to support complex paths.
Innovation Solution
A system with a rig or frame that includes a tool, sensors, and cameras to determine the tool's position on a material, allowing for precise and flexible guidance using sensors and cameras to adjust the tool's position based on a design plan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual guides are drawn on material using measuring devices, then the tool can be guided along a path, but it is difficult for a user to follow manually and human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual guidance with an automated optical guidance system. A camera captures images of the material surface, and a processor automatically determines tool position and provides guidance instructions, eliminating the need for users to manually follow drawn visual guides while maintaining or improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance system is self-correcting and self-guiding. The system automatically tracks the tool position, compares it with the desired path, and provides real-time corrections without requiring manual measurement or interpretation by the user, thereby reducing human error.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical guides such as railings or fences are put in place to assist the user, then movement can be constrained and guidance improved, but they take time to set up and limit movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical guides (railings, fences) with a digital/optical guidance system using cameras and processors. This eliminates the need for physical setup while providing flexible, real-time path guidance that adapts to complex trajectories without constraining movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance system is dynamic and adaptable, allowing the tool to follow complex paths in real-time without physical constraints. The system can adjust to varying paths and conditions on the material surface, providing flexibility that rigid mechanical guides cannot offer.
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical guides are used to constrain tool movement, then guidance accuracy may improve, but they may not support complex paths
Solution Approach 1:
The optical guidance system is inherently dynamic and can accommodate complex, non-linear paths without physical constraints. The camera and processor can track and guide the tool along any trajectory on the material surface, providing both high accuracy and the versatility to handle complex designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional mechanical constraints to multi-dimensional optical field guidance. The camera captures the entire work area and uses image processing to provide guidance in multiple directions simultaneously, enabling complex path following that mechanical guides cannot support.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate generally to facilitate performing a task on a surface such as woodworking or printing. More specifically, in some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to mapping the surface of the material and determining the precise location of a tool in reference to the surface of a material. Some embodiments relate to obtaining and relating a design with the map of the material or displaying the current position of the tool on a display device. In some embodiments, the present disclosure facilitates adjusting, moving or auto-correcting the tool along a predetermined path such as, e.g., a cutting or drawing path. In some embodiments, the reference location may correspond to a design or plan obtained from obtained via an online design store.