Servo Feeler Edge Detection for Precise Slab Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining systems for slabs, particularly glass slabs, face challenges such as slow position determination, risk of slab damage during edge grinding, wear on reference feelers, and limited precision and repeatability in edge detection.
Innovation Solution
A machining centre equipped with a mechanical feeler and a servo motor with feedback sensors, allowing for precise control of the feeler's position and force of contact, enabling efficient detection of slab edges and automatic calibration of the machining centre.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical feeler with pneumatic actuator is used to determine slab position, then the position can be reset and detected, but the operation is slow and causes impact damage to the slab
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pneumatic actuator system with an electric servo motor system. The servo motor rotates the feeler arm with precise control, eliminating the slow pneumatic extension/retraction cycle. The feedback sensor provides real-time position data, enabling fast and accurate slab position determination without mechanical impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the feeler arm dynamically controllable through servo motor rotation. Instead of a static or slowly moving pneumatic reference, the feeler arm can rapidly rotate to different positions and maintain contact with the slab edge, enabling fast repeated measurements and adaptive positioning.
2Measurement precision
If a mechanical feeler is used to detect slab edges, then position information can be obtained, but wear occurs on the reference feeler
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback sensor that provides real-time information about the feeler arm's rotational position. This feedback enables precise control of the feeler contact force and position, allowing the system to detect edge features accurately while minimizing unnecessary contact and wear on the mechanical feeler components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the mechanical feeler by using servo motor control to adjust rotation speed, contact force, and positioning accuracy. These parameter changes allow the feeler to operate in a optimized regime that reduces wear while maintaining detection precision.
3Ease of operation
If a pneumatic actuator is used to move the reference, then the reference can be retracted to free the path, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic actuator with an electric servo motor system. The servo motor provides precise rotational control of the feeler arm through electrical signals, eliminating the need for pneumatic cylinders, valves, and associated infrastructure. This substitution reduces system complexity while maintaining the ability to retract and reposition the reference.
4Measurement precision
If the slab is moved along a roller conveyor to stop against a reference, then the origin position can be determined, but the impact against the reference causes damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the feeler arm dynamically controllable through servo motor rotation. The feeler arm can rotate to meet the moving slab edge and maintain controlled contact, transforming the harmful impact into a controlled, minimal-force measurement interaction. The dynamic rotation allows the feeler to adapt to the slab's motion and position.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback sensor provides real-time information about the feeler arm's rotational position and contact status. This feedback enables the control system to detect when the feeler contacts the slab edge and adjust the motor torque to maintain gentle, controlled contact, eliminating harmful impacts while preserving measurement precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a machining centre for machining slabs are disclosed, with a vertically movable machining unit, a path for moving a slab to the machining unit, a detection unit that comprises a mechanical feeler that receives in contact at least one edge of the slab, an arm that carries the mechanical feeler and rotates pushed by the moving slab, a servo motor with a rotor connected to the arm and a servo drive for controlling the servo motor, in which a feedback sensor of the servo drive sends signals used to detect features of the slab before performing machining with the machining unit.