Optical Tool Positioning for Precise Surface Object Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for precise positioning of objects like tiles and bricks during construction are labor-intensive, prone to inaccuracies, and require expensive and complex measuring systems, leading to potential large errors over large areas.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that determine the deviation between a line of sight and an optical line to compensate for positioning errors, allowing a tool to place objects accurately without needing exact alignment, using a tool equipped with optical sensors and a processing device to calculate and adjust the tool's position based on distances and deviations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If advanced measuring systems are used for high accuracy positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measuring systems with a simplified optical measurement system. An optical sensor detects the position of previously placed objects, and a processing device calculates the deviation between the optical line and the line of sight. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical-electronic systems achieves high positioning precision while reducing system complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses optical copying principles by projecting an optical line (laser) to create a virtual reference line that represents the desired placement path. The optical sensor detects objects' positions relative to this optical copy of the reference line, enabling precise positioning without physical mechanical guides

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If traditional manual positioning is used, then system complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to human error and fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the optical sensor continuously monitors the position of placed objects, the processing device calculates deviations from the reference line, and the system adjusts subsequent object placements to compensate for accumulated errors. This closed-loop feedback maintains high positioning accuracy without requiring complex manual operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-positioning by automatically detecting object positions, calculating deviations, and determining correct placement locations without human intervention. The processing device autonomously computes the deviation between the optical line and line of sight, enabling the system to self-correct positioning errors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If objects are placed sequentially one by one, then positioning control is simplified, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming manual operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning control simplicityVSAvoidplacement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a reference line (optical line) in advance before placing objects. This preliminary action creates a fixed reference framework that enables rapid, automated positioning of subsequent objects without requiring complex real-time calculations, thus increasing productivity while maintaining simple positioning control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces slow manual sequential placement with automated robotic placement guided by optical detection and electronic processing. The system rapidly detects object positions, calculates deviations, and controls the placement tool to position objects automatically, dramatically increasing productivity while keeping the control logic simple

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

4Manufacturing precision

If exact alignment of optical line with objects is required, then positioning precision is improved, but the placement process becomes more time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational step where the processing device calculates the deviation between the optical line and the line of sight connecting detected objects. This intermediary calculation allows the system to work with approximate alignments and mathematically determine the correct placement position, eliminating the need for time-consuming exact manual alignment while maintaining high precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from requiring exact geometric alignment to calculating positional deviation as a measurable parameter. By transforming the alignment problem into a deviation calculation problem, the system can tolerate approximate initial alignments and achieve precise positioning through computational correction, reducing alignment time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enables high-precision placement of objects with reduced need for complex alignment, minimizing errors and increasing efficiency while reducing the reliance on expensive measuring systems.

Implementation Method 1

an optical source and an optical sensor adapted for receiving the optical line and generating output based on the detected position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3260243B1Method and system for placing at least one object on a surface
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 EL ZOUKI GRP AB
  • EP3260243B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3260243B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3260243B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B

AI summary

A method and system for placing at least one object on a surface, the object being carried and positioned by a tool. The method comprises determining a deviation in at least one dimension between a line of sight between a first and a second object placed on the surface and an optical line directed from the first towards the second object, determining a position in at least one dimension for the tool based on the determined deviation, and positioning the tool so that the position is achieved, thereby placing the object on the surface.