Sacrificial Panel Position Marking for Precise Element Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning elements on a sacrificial panel during machining, such as suction cups or panels to be machined, are prone to incorrect placement, require significant operator experience, lead to long machine downtimes, and are imprecise, especially for irregularly shaped panels, resulting in increased costs and production delays.
Innovation Solution
A method involving reading positioning data, marking graphic or engraving signs on the sacrificial panel to guide the placement of elements, and using suction cups with a vacuum system to secure them, allowing for precise and quick positioning independent of operator experience, and enabling efficient reuse of the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but positioning precision deteriorates and machine downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces positioning signs as an intermediary element between the operator and the element to be positioned. These signs provide visual guidance and reference points on the sacrificial panel, enabling operators to accurately place elements without requiring extensive experience or complex automated systems. The positioning signs act as a mediator that translates complex positioning requirements into simple visual cues.
2Speed
If semi-automatic positioning with laser pointer is used, then positioning speed is improved, but positioning reliability deteriorates due to element movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-marking positioning signs on the sacrificial panel before element placement. These signs remain fixed on the panel surface, providing stable reference points that do not move during the positioning process. This eliminates the reliability issue of laser pointers by establishing permanent visual markers that guide element placement throughout the operation.
3Device complexity
If no positioning reference is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning reference function from complex automated positioning systems and implements it through simple visual markers directly on the sacrificial panel. By separating the reference marking function from the positioning execution, the system achieves high precision without requiring complex positioning mechanisms, controllers, or sensors.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple positioning adjustments are made, then positioning precision is improved, but machine downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning signs are prepared in advance on the sacrificial panel, allowing operators to directly place elements in the correct position without iterative adjustments. This preliminary preparation of reference markers eliminates the need for multiple positioning attempts and reduces machine downtime while maintaining high positioning 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 method ensures accurate and rapid positioning of elements, minimizes machine downtime, reduces waste, and allows for cost-effective operation on existing machinery, making the process more reliable and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum condition can be created beneath it, to hold in position said elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for positioning at least one element (P, V1, V2, V3, V4) on a supporting panel, such as a sacrificial panel (2), arranged on a work table (11) of a machine (1) for machining wood panels (P) and the like, wherein said method comprises the following steps: A) reading said at least one element (P, V1, V2, V3, V4) positioning data (C, C1, C2 C3, C4) on said sacrificial panel (2); B) marking, on the upper surface of said sacrificial panel (2), at least one positioning sign (D, D1, D2, D3, D4) associated to said positioning data (C, C1, C2 C3, C4) of said at least one element (P, V1, V2, V3, V4); and C) placing said at least one element (P, V1, V2, V3, V4) in correspondence of the respective positioning sign (D, D1, D2, D3, D4). The present invention also relates to a machine for machining panels and the like.