Glass Plate Machining via Vision-Based Position Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machining workstations for large glass, marble, and stone plates face inefficiencies due to the need for preliminary repositioning, which increases structural complexity and costs, and results in downtime from repositioning processes.
Innovation Solution
A method that pre-arranges the plate upstream of the workstation in the correct position, uses motor-driven rollers and suction cups to align and secure the plate, and employs a position-detection system to modify the machining program for precise alignment, allowing machining to proceed without initial repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automatic positioning means with motor-driven servos are provided to reposition the plate before machining, then the plate can be accurately positioned on reference axes, but the structural complexity of the workstation increases and the tooling cost becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems (motor-driven servos) with a camera-based vision system. The camera captures the plate's actual position, and computational algorithms calculate the deviation from reference axes, substituting mechanical repositioning with optical detection and software-based coordinate transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera to create an optical copy (image) of the plate's position on the working surface. This visual information is then processed to determine the plate's actual location and orientation, allowing the system to work with the plate in its as-fed position without physical repositioning mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If automatic positioning means are provided to reposition the plate before machining, then the plate can be correctly aligned with reference axes, but the workstation experiences downtime during the repositioning process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the positioning detection action preliminarily - the camera captures the plate's position immediately when the plate is fed onto the working surface, before machining begins. This allows the system to calculate the actual position in advance and adjust machining coordinates accordingly, eliminating the need for time-consuming repositioning operations before machining.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera detects the plate's actual position, and this information is fed back to the control system. The control system then adjusts the machining coordinates based on the detected position, creating a closed-loop system that eliminates downtime by continuously adapting to the plate's actual position rather than requiring physical repositioning.
3Ease of operation
If the plate is fed to the workstation by a machine set upstream, then the plate can be supplied to the workstation, but the plate may shift from its theoretical position and orientation during translation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the workstation to self-correct for position deviations by using the camera to detect the plate's actual position after feeding. The system automatically calculates the deviation from the theoretical position and adjusts the machining coordinates accordingly, allowing the workstation to compensate for feeding inaccuracies without requiring external positioning interventions.
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 eliminates the need for preliminary repositioning, enhancing efficiency, reducing downtime, and simplifying the workstation structure while ensuring precise machining operations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of blocking means in the form of telescopic suction cups aligned and arranged in transverse arrays on said bench, in an alternating way with respect to said arrays of motor-driven rollers, said suction cups being mobile between a raised, operative, position, in which they are in contact with the bottom surface of the plate and hold it in position to enable machining of the plate
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for machining a plate (L) of glass, stone, marble, or the like in a workstation (1), comprising the following steps: - pre-arranging on a surface upstream of the workstation (1) the plate (L) to be machined in the correct position prior to entry of the plate into the workstation (1); - feeding the plate (L) set in the correct position to the workstation (1) and causing it to advance longitudinally along said working surface (2) defined by said motor-driven rollers (R), operating said motor-driven rollers (R) until the plate (L) is brought into the initial machining position; - detecting the real position and orientation (PR) of said plate (L) with respect to said working surface (2) by means of a position-detection system; - modifying the program for actuation of the cycle of machining of the plate (L) on the basis of detection of the real position (PR) made in the previous step; and - carrying out machining of the plate (L) by operating the motor means for controlling the movements of the cross member (5), of the carriage (6), and of the operating head (7) on the basis of the modified program for actuation of the machining cycle.