Panel Processing Machine with Optical Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machines for processing panels, such as wood, plastic, metal, and glass, face inefficiencies in detecting and repositioning cut panels after nesting-type processing, as each panel must be manually assigned a spatial reference by a pick-up device, leading to time-consuming and complex procedures.
Innovation Solution
A machine equipped with a processing unit, a detection unit, and a logic control unit that uses linear scanning and image reconstruction to determine the position of cut panels on a working plane, allowing for precise orientation and transport of panels to subsequent processing stations without the need for manual reference assignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pick-up device manually assigns spatial reference to each cut panel, then the panels can be transported and processed in subsequent stations, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pick-up device that manually assigns spatial references with an optical detection system (camera) that automatically captures and processes images of cut panels. The detection unit captures images of all panels simultaneously, and the control unit automatically determines positions and orientations, eliminating the need for mechanical manipulation and manual reference assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the panel arrangement on the working plane. Instead of physically manipulating each panel with a pick-up device, the system captures a visual representation of all panels simultaneously and processes this image data to determine positions and orientations, significantly reducing processing time.
2Measurement precision
If a pick-up device processes each panel individually to assign spatial reference, then accurate positioning is achieved, but the complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection of multiple panels into a single simultaneous operation. Instead of processing each panel individually through separate pick-up operations, the detection unit captures images of all panels on the working plane at once, and the control unit processes all position and orientation data in a unified manner, reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a comprehensive optical copy of the entire panel arrangement and processes this single image to extract position and orientation information for all panels simultaneously, maintaining measurement precision while reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If manual reference assignment is performed for each panel, then subsequent processing stations can recognize panel positions, but the overall processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical pick-up and reference assignment process with an optical detection system that instantly captures panel positions. The camera-based detection unit and control unit automatically generate recognition data for all panels simultaneously, eliminating the sequential manual processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection and recognition process operates continuously and simultaneously for all panels rather than sequentially. The system maintains continuous operation by capturing all panel positions in a single imaging operation and processing the data without interruption, maximizing productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine (M) for processing at least one panel (P), made of wood, plastic, metal, fibreglass, glass and the like, and for detecting the positioning of the processed panel (P') after the processing comprising a unit (1) for processing said at least one panel (P), which receives in input said at least one panel (P), and provides as output a plurality of portions (P1, P2, ..., Pn), wherein the entire panel (P) has been divided according to a predetermined cutting pattern, a unit (3) for picking up and transporting said plurality of portions (P1, P2, ..., Pn) for picking up said plurality of portions (P1, P2, ..., Pn) and transporting said plurality of portions (P1, P2, ..., Pn) towards one or more further processing stations outside said machine (M); a logic control unit, operatively connected with said processing unit (1) and pick-up and transporting unit (3), and equipped with a programme for controlling said processing unit (1) and pick-up and transporting unit (3), a working plane (12) for supporting said at least one panel (P) and said processed panel (P'), which extends between said processing unit (1) and pick-up and transporting unit (3), said machine (M) being characterized in that it comprises a detection unit (2), configured for detecting the data relative to the position of each portion of said plurality of portions (P1, P2, ..., Pn) on said working plane (12), in that it comprises a unit for receiving said data detected and reconstruction of images configured for receiving said data detected by said detection unit (2) for reconstructing the images of the positioning of said plurality of portions (P1, P2, ..., Pn) on said working plane (12), and in that said logic control unit is configured for receiving said reconstructed image and sending control signals to said pick-up and transporting unit (3), containing the information relative to the image and to the position of each portion of said plurality of portions (P1, P2, ..., Pn) on said working plane (12). The invention also relates to method for operation of said machine.