Squaring Machine Optical Tool Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing squaring machines for slab-shaped elements, such as ceramic or natural stone slabs, face inefficiencies in positioning and equipping abrasive tools, leading to significant idle time and non-productive periods due to manual or sequential control methods.
Innovation Solution
A squaring machine equipped with a frame and moving plane that includes two groups of individually movable abrasive tools, each with a dedicated optical group and reference body for precise positioning, allowing for simultaneous and independent setup of all tools, reducing idle time by about 80% through real-time monitoring and correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optical group is used for all abrasive tools, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision and productivity deteriorate due to sequential control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical control system into multiple independent optical groups, with each optical group dedicated to controlling a specific abrasive tool. This segmentation allows parallel operation of all abrasive tools simultaneously, eliminating the sequential control bottleneck while maintaining individual positioning precision for each tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the control architecture by positioning optical groups at different heights and locations, each overlooking its specific abrasive tool. This spatial distribution enables independent simultaneous control of multiple tools without mechanical interference, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and parallel operation capability.
2Device complexity
If manual positioning methods are used for abrasive tools, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision and productivity deteriorate due to time-consuming adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with automated optical detection and control systems. Each optical group captures images of reference bodies and abrasive tool positions, and the control unit automatically calculates and adjusts tool positions based on image analysis, eliminating time-consuming manual adjustments while achieving high positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-positioning of abrasive tools through automated optical feedback. The optical groups continuously monitor tool positions relative to reference bodies, and the control unit automatically makes adjustments without operator intervention, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining simplicity through standardized procedures.
3Device complexity
If sequential control of abrasive tools is used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates due to cumulative errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into independent optical groups, each responsible for a specific abrasive tool. This independence eliminates cumulative errors from sequential control, as each tool's position is determined by its own optical reference system rather than being dependent on previous tool positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying of reference body positions through image capture and analysis. Each optical group creates a visual copy of the reference body and abrasive tool positions, allowing the control unit to calculate precise relative positions without physical contact or cumulative mechanical errors, thereby achieving 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
The solution enables rapid and accurate positioning of abrasive tools, significantly reducing setup time and ensuring high-quality, uniform processing of slab-shaped elements by dynamically adjusting for tool wear and thermal expansion.
Implementation Method 1
each optical group is arranged in proximity to a respective abrasive tool so that at least one portion of the respective abrasive tool along at least one segment of the travel path thereof is arranged inside a visual field of the respective optical group
Data Source
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AI summary
A squaring machine (20) of slab-shaped elements (T) comprising: - a frame (21) defining a horizontal resting and moving plane (M) which comprises a moving group (22) for advancing the slab-shaped elements (T) supported by the moving plane (M) along a predetermined feed direction (C); - a plurality of abrasive tools (24) supported by the frame (21) and each individually movable, following a travel path orthogonal to the feed direction (C), between a distal position from the slab-shaped element (T) supported by the moving plane (M) and a proximal position, wherein the abrasive tool (24) is adapted to come into contact with a surface (T1,T2) of the slab-shaped element (T); - a plurality of optical groups (25) individually secured to the frame (21), wherein each optical group (25) is arranged in proximity to a respective abrasive tool (24) such that at least one portion of the respective abrasive tool (24) along at least one segment of the travel path thereof is arranged within a visual field of the respective optical group (25), and - a plurality of reference bodies (27), wherein each reference body (27) is secured to the frame (21), is arranged along the travel path of a respective abrasive tool (24) and within a visual field of the respective optical group (25), such that at least one portion of each abrasive tool (24) is adapted to be interposed between the respective optical group (25) and the respective reference body (27) during the movement of the abrasive tool (24) along the travel path thereof.