Panel Locking Device Positioning With Laser Color Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing machines for processing wood or similar components face issues due to erroneous selection and positioning of locking devices during setup, requiring manual selection and installation by dedicated staff, which can lead to incorrect choices and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and machine that utilize a laser projector and electronic control unit to project color-coded position indicators on the processing surface or slides, allowing for automatic selection and positioning of interchangeable locking devices based on the type of component and processing task, ensuring accurate and efficient device placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection and installation of locking devices is performed by dedicated staff, then flexibility in choosing different locking device types is achieved, but human error in selection and positioning occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical selection process with an automated optical-mechanical system. A laser projector automatically projects position indicators onto the support surface, and a reading device optically detects these indicators to automatically determine and position the correct locking devices, eliminating human error while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the machine automatically identifies component characteristics, selects appropriate locking devices, and positions them without human intervention. The laser projection and reading device work together to create an autonomous positioning system that serves the machine setup process itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual setup of locking devices is performed, then adaptability to different component types is achieved, but setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual setup operations with automated laser projection and optical reading systems. The laser quickly projects position indicators and the reading device rapidly detects them, dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining full adaptability to different component types through automated identification and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses laser projection to create optical copies or representations of position information directly on the support surface. These projected indicators serve as visual copies of the required locking device positions, enabling rapid automated detection and positioning without manual measurement or calculation.
3Measurement precision
If automated laser projection system is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual positioning operations with a relatively simple laser projection system combined with an optical reading device. This substitution achieves high positioning accuracy through optical means while keeping the added mechanical complexity minimal compared to the elimination of manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser projector and reading device act as intermediaries between the control system and the physical locking devices. They translate digital positioning information into visual optical indicators that can be easily detected and followed, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high precision.
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 simplifies and automates the locking device positioning process, reducing human error and enabling faster, more accurate setup of machines for processing wood or plastic panels by clearly indicating the required locking device type and position, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing setup time.
Implementation Method 1
a laser projector configured to project position indicators on the processing surface or on the slides
Data Source
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AI summary
In a machine for processing components (2) made of wood, plastic, or the like, the components (2) are held by a plurality of locking devices (14; 36) of different types, which are mounted on a base (3; 23) of the machine, associating each type of locking device (14; 36) with a relative type of component (2) and/or with a relative type of processing to be carried out on the component (2) itself, associating the different types of locking devices (14; 36) with respective position indicators (18) with different colours, selecting the type of locking device (14; 36) depending on the type of component (2) and/or on the type of processing to be carried out on the component (2), and projecting the position indicator (18) corresponding to the selected type of locking device (14) onto the base (3; 23).