Remote End Effector Positioning via Sensor Signal Smoothing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The initial positioning of end effectors in CNC machines is time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring iterative manual control through switches and rotary dials, which can be inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a portable input device with sensors, such as accelerometers, to generate signals reflective of angular displacement, processed by a computing device to produce control signals for precise and efficient remote positioning of end effectors, including filtering and smoothing of signals to reduce noise and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual control panels with switches and rotary dials are used for end effector positioning, then positioning precision can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical control panel system (switches and rotary dials) with an electronic sensor-based system. Accelerometers and other sensors detect operator gestures and automatically translate them into precise end effector positioning commands, eliminating the need for manual switching and dialing while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as an intermediary between the operator and the end effector. The sensors capture operator intent through gestures and serve as a mediator that translates these gestures into precise positioning commands, bridging the gap between human input and machine response more efficiently than direct mechanical control.
2Measurement precision
If iterative manual positioning is performed through multiple axis adjustments, then the end effector can be positioned accurately, but the process becomes labor-intensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically interpreting sensor data and calculating the necessary axis adjustments. Instead of requiring the operator to manually adjust each axis iteratively, the sensor system and controller work together to autonomously determine and execute the positioning sequence, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical interaction of manually adjusting multiple axes with a gesture-based electronic control system. The sensors detect gestures and the controller automatically translates them into coordinated multi-axis movements, simplifying the operator's task while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Productivity
If rapid movements are made during end effector positioning, then time is reduced, but vibrations and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or staged movement patterns where the end effector is positioned in controlled increments rather than single rapid movements. The sensor system detects gestures and executes positioning in manageable steps, allowing the system to achieve fast overall positioning while minimizing vibrations and mechanical wear at each movement stage.
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 approach significantly reduces the time and labor required for initial positioning, enhances precision, and extends the useful life of the system by minimizing unnecessary vibrations and wear, allowing for intuitive and accurate remote positioning of end effectors in multiple dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer in the input device. The accelerometer is configured to generate a first signal reflective of a first angular displacement of the accelerometer from a first axis
Data Source
AI summary
A system for remotely positioning an end effector includes a sensor in an input device aligned with an axis to generate a signal reflective of an angular displacement of the sensor about the axis. A processor receives the signal and executes a set of logic stored in a memory to filter the signal, smooth the signal, and generate a control signal to the end effector that is proportional to the angular displacement of the sensor about the axis. A method for remotely positioning an end effector includes moving an input device, sensing an angular displacement of a sensor from an axis, generating a signal reflective of the angular displacement of the sensor about the axis, smoothing the signal, and generating a control signal to the end effector that is proportional to the angular displacement of the sensor about the axis.