Panel Edge Milling with Optical Positioning for Precise Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing panels with profiled edges using cutting tools face challenges in maintaining accuracy and design freedom, particularly in forming mechanical coupling means like tongue and groove structures, while minimizing the risk of edge removal and ensuring precise orientation and positioning.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining and adjusting the position and orientation of each panel relative to the cutting tools before the operation, ensuring a fixed orientation and position for at least one part of the panel, such as the lower edge area, to perform the cutting operations accurately and form profiled edges with mechanical coupling means, using optical techniques and continuous milling machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the panels are processed in a continuous milling machine with fixed orientation, then the manufacturing speed and productivity are improved, but the manufacturing precision and accuracy of profiled edges deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the panel positioning system adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. The panel can be positioned at different orientations and the lower edge area can be adjusted to different positions, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to processing requirements while maintaining high-speed continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning methods with optical measurement systems. Optical devices measure the position and orientation of the panel, and this information is used to control the positioning, substituting mechanical alignment with optical-mechanical integration for higher precision.
2Reliability
If the lower edge area geometry is modified to prevent removal, then the reliability of panel connection is improved, but the design freedom and aesthetic quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining and adjusting the position of the lower edge area before the milling operation begins. The system measures and positions the panel in advance, allowing the original lower edge area geometry to be preserved while still ensuring accurate processing and reliable connections.
3Manufacturing precision
If the position and orientation of panels are adjusted individually, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a positioning system that handles multiple functions: optical measurement of panel position and orientation, calculation of required adjustments, and physical positioning control. This multi-functional system integrates several operations into one coordinated mechanism, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using optical devices to continuously measure the actual position and orientation of the panel, comparing it with the desired position, and using this information to adjust the panel positioning. This closed-loop feedback system achieves high precision without requiring overly complex mechanical structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing panels such that the panels are subjected on at least one side to an operation with cutting tools. The position and/or orientation of each panel is determined prior to the operation, and the position and/or orientation of each panel is adjusted prior to the operation and/or the position of the tools is potentially adjusted, such that at least one part of each panel concerned takes a fixed orientation and position in relation to the tools.