Tool Guidance Rig With Dust-Clear Optical Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of a tool relative to a work surface, especially when working with materials like plywood or smooth contours, and in managing dust generated during tasks like cutting, which can interfere with position detection.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a rig or frame with sensors and cameras to determine the tool's position, using techniques like lateral probing and force sensors to detect the edge of the material, and incorporates a dust management system with a cavity and fan to direct dust away from the tool's optical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual guides are drawn on material for manual following, then guidance is provided, but it is difficult for users to follow manually and determine tool position accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual guidance with an automated optical guidance system. A camera captures images of the material surface and design, while sensors detect tool position. A processor automatically compares actual tool position with desired position and provides real-time guidance, eliminating the need for manual interpretation of visual guides and significantly improving both ease of operation and measurement precision.
2Productivity
If dust is generated during cutting tasks, then material processing is enabled, but dust interferes with position detection by optical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical detection system from the dust-generating cutting zone by positioning the camera and optical sensors to observe the work area from a distance, rather than placing them directly in the cutting path. This spatial segmentation allows dust to be generated for productivity while preventing it from interfering with position detection reliability.
3Measurement precision
If a rig with sensors and cameras is used to determine tool position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using the camera to serve dual purposes: capturing images for position detection and capturing images of the design for verification. The rig system performs multiple functions including position measurement, design verification, and guidance provision, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and thereby managing complexity while maintaining high measurement 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
Enables precise guidance and positioning of tools on complex surfaces while maintaining a clear environment for accurate detection, improving the accuracy and reliability of tasks like cutting and drawing by effectively managing dust and ensuring clear visibility for position detection.
Implementation Method 1
incorporates a dust management system with a cavity and fan to direct dust away from the tool's optical systems
Data Source
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AI summary
A position sensing tool for enabling topographical measurements of a working surface is provided. The tool includes sensors for mapping the tool environment and for positioning of the tool within the environment. The tool enables tracking of tool activity within the environment. The tool enables design and fabrication collaboration with other computer systems. The tool enables user and tool environment safety using tool positional, user position and tool environment awareness. Certain embodiments of the tool permit automated guidance of tasks in the tool environment.