Optical Worktable Scanning for Slag and Foreign Part Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser and water jet cutting systems face issues with lodged cut-out parts and deposits on the worktable grid, which can cause processing errors and potential crashes when trying to lift and transport cut-out parts, as these foreign objects can interfere with the lifting system and affect the flatness of subsequent workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with an optical sensor that is displaceable along the worktable and perpendicular to the support elements, capable of detecting foreign parts and deposits between the support elements by illuminating and differentiating between slag and cut-out parts, and automatically indicating their location for removal, thereby preventing crashes and ensuring accurate processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the worktable grid is not cleaned of deposits and foreign parts, then processing can continue without interruption, but crashes may occur and subsequent workpieces cannot be processed accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a detection system that scans the worktable grid before processing begins or between workpieces. The optical sensor detects foreign parts and deposits in advance, allowing the system to identify potential crash hazards before they occur. This enables proactive intervention through alerts or automated cleaning, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining continuous productivity.
2Reliability
If manual inspection of the grid is performed to detect foreign parts, then crashes can be prevented, but processing time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical detection system. The optical sensor scans the worktable grid automatically, using light reflection properties to detect foreign parts and deposits without physical contact. This substitution eliminates the need for manual intervention, maintaining high reliability in crash prevention while preserving processing time and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system operates autonomously as part of the processing system itself. The optical sensor is integrated into the worktable or overhead structure, enabling self-detection and self-monitoring capabilities. The system automatically identifies foreign parts and can trigger alerts or cleaning mechanisms without requiring external manual inspection, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor checks the entire worktable surface, then all foreign parts are detected, but the complexity and time required for detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the worktable grid into discrete scanning zones or segments. The optical sensor systematically scans each zone between the grid bars, detecting foreign parts in a structured manner. This segmented approach ensures comprehensive detection coverage while simplifying the control logic and reducing overall system complexity compared to attempting to scan the entire surface as a single unit.
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 solution effectively prevents crashes and ensures accurate processing by reliably detecting and differentiating between deposits and foreign parts, allowing for safe operation and maintaining the flatness of workpieces, thus preventing errors in subsequent work steps.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for detecting the foreign parts and/or the deposits in the space between two respective support elements. The sensor is an optical sensor.
Implementation Method 2
an element for illuminating deposits and/or foreign parts, wherein the element is configured to automatically indicate the location of the deposits and/or the foreign parts
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for checking for foreign parts (7) and/or deposits (4) on support elements (1) of a worktable (2), wherein the support elements (1) are provided to support a flat workpiece (10) for cutting with a laser or a water jet, wherein the support elements (1) are arranged parallel to one another and have a first distance from one another, comprising: a sensor (5, 6) for detecting the foreign parts (7) and/or the deposits (4) in the space between two respective support elements (1).