3D Shape Identification for Adaptive Painting Head Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing painting apparatuses for vehicles and other objects are inefficient due to the need for repeated sensor measurements to maintain a fixed distance from complex surfaces, leading to slow painting processes and high error rates, and are not adaptable to different shapes and sizes without reprogramming.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a painting head equipped with an infrared projection system to create a grid of points on the surface, an optical sensor to detect these points, and processing means to determine spatial coordinates, allowing the head to move freely and maintain a fixed distance from the surface, while also identifying the three-dimensional shape and associating it with a database model for precise painting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If repeated sensor measurements are used to maintain a fixed distance from complex surfaces, then painting precision is improved, but painting speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing 3D shape identification and creating a digital model of the object's surface geometry before the painting process begins. The sensor captures the complete 3D shape and stores it in a database, allowing the painting head to navigate pre-planned paths without repeated real-time distance measurements, thus maintaining precision while significantly improving painting speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (3D model) of the object's surface geometry through sensor measurement. This digital replica is stored in a database and used to guide the painting head's movements, eliminating the need for continuous physical sensor measurements during painting and resolving the contradiction between precision and speed.
2Measurement precision
If repeated sensor measurements are performed continuously, then distance control accuracy is improved, but error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all distance measurements and 3D shape identification before the painting operation starts. By completing the measurement phase in advance and storing the data, the system eliminates continuous measurements during painting, thereby reducing cumulative errors while maintaining high measurement precision through the initial comprehensive scan.
3Productivity
If pre-programmed paths are used for painting, then painting speed is improved, but adaptability to different shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from fixed pre-programmed paths to dynamic paths generated from 3D shape data. The system captures the actual 3D geometry of the object being painted and uses this data to automatically generate appropriate painting paths, enabling both high speed and full adaptability to different shapes and sizes without manual reprogramming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the object's 3D shape and uses this copy to generate painting paths. This digital replica allows the system to adapt to any object shape by simply scanning it, eliminating the need for manual reprogramming while maintaining fast painting speeds through automated path generation based on the captured geometry.
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 high-speed, precise painting with reduced error rates and adaptability to different shapes and sizes, simulating a hand-painted finish in hostile environments.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared projection means arranged to project a grid, or matrix, of points on the surface of the object obtaining a projected image on said surface comprising a plurality of points
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor means arranged to detect the projected image of points obtaining a detected projected image, said detected projected image comprising a plurality of points, or pixels, having determined spatial coordinates (x,y,z)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for painting an object, the apparatus having a painting head equipped with a spraying nozzle arranged to deliver a flow of paint on a surface. The apparatus also includes a device for moving the painting head in the space according to at least two degrees of freedom. An identification device is also provided for identifying the three-dimensional shape of the surface. A processing means is also provided to process the detected projected image and to determine the spatial coordinates of each point.