Sanding Machine Thickness Detection via Wired Caliper Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanding machines for panels are prone to interference from powerful wireless communication systems in industrial environments, and they often require manual initiation of thickness measurement, which can be inconvenient and lead to errors due to unit measurement discrepancies between digital calipers and control units.

Innovation Solution

A sanding machine with a mechanical detection device for panel width and a Bluetooth-based wireless communication system using a digital caliper connected to a microcontroller board for automatic unit conversion and operator-friendly thickness measurement, allowing for continuous operation without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a wireless data communication system is used to connect the digital caliper with a slider to the control unit, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to sensitivity to interferences and disturbances from other wireless communication systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wired connection interface as an intermediary between the digital caliper and the control unit, allowing data communication while eliminating wireless interference. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by providing a reliable wired connection that avoids the harmful electromagnetic interferences affecting wireless communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If manual enabling procedure is required for thickness measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates and errors may occur due to manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the presence of the digital caliper through the wired connection interface and enables thickness measurement without requiring manual intervention. The control unit self-configures when the caliper is connected, eliminating the need for operators to press dedicated start buttons and reducing the risk of measurement errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If unit conversion between digital caliper and control unit is manually handled, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to measurement unit discrepancies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual unit conversion procedures with an automated electronic conversion system. The control unit automatically converts measurement units between the digital caliper and the control unit's preferred units through the wired data communication interface, eliminating errors associated with manual conversion while maintaining simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4140645B1Method for controlling the machining of panels with a substantially parallelepiped-like shape and machine for machining panels with a substantially parallelepiped-like shape, in particular sanding machine for sanding/finishing panels made of wood, metal or the like
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 BIESSE SPA
  • EP4140645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4140645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4140645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for controlling the machining of panels with a substantially parallelepiped-like shape is described and a machine (1) for machining panels with a substantially parallelepiped-like shape comprising a processing system (17) having a control unit (18), a thickness detection device (22) for detecting the thickness of the panels (2), which is obtained by means of a digital caliper (24) with a slider, a support (23) for the thickness detection device (22), a wireless data communication system provided with two Bluetooth communication modules (29, 30) housed in the thickness detection device (22) and in the control unit (18), respectively, and a presence sensor (33) housed on the support (23) to detect the presence of the detection device (22).