Wood Panel Squaring via Optical Feedback and Actuator Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edging machines for wood panels require manual positioning, which can lead to errors in aligning the panel for rectifying and edging, particularly for the fourth side, resulting in compromised operations and panel rejection.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a machine with a rectifying station, edging station, and a grip and transfer unit with a lower belt conveyor, pressor device, and adjustable suction caps to ensure precise positioning and rectification of all sides, including automatic correction of operator positioning errors through sensors and actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning is used for panel alignment, then the operator can position the panel, but positioning errors occur compromising rectifying and edging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated optical-mechanical system. A camera captures panel position, a processor analyzes the image data to determine positioning errors, and actuators automatically adjust the panel's position. This substitution eliminates manual positioning errors while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically detecting its own state through the camera and correcting deviations through actuators. The panel positioning system serves itself by continuously monitoring and adjusting without external intervention, ensuring consistent precision across all four sides.
2Productivity
If the operator must contact the second stopping means for the fourth side, then all sides can be processed, but errors in first stopping means compromise the fourth side operation
Solution Approach 1:
The camera continuously monitors panel position relative to stopping means, and the processor uses this feedback to determine if positioning errors exist. When errors are detected, the system activates actuators to correct the panel position before processing, ensuring reliable results for all sides including the fourth side, regardless of initial positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning correction using actuators before the rectifying and edging operations begin. By pre-adjusting the panel position based on camera detection, the system prevents positioning errors from compromising the fourth side operation, ensuring all sides are processed reliably.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated positioning correction is implemented, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera acts as an intermediary between the panel and the positioning system, capturing position data without requiring complex direct measurement mechanisms. The processor serves as an intermediary that translates image data into actuator control signals. This intermediary approach achieves high precision while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
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 method ensures accurate and efficient squaring and edging of all panel sides, reducing manual error and improving the reliability of the edging process by using sensors and actuators to correct alignment issues.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cap, 26, engaged to the lower face of the panel, 2, when in the lowered working position
Data Source
AI summary
Squaring and edging of a panel (2) made of wood or the like being substantially rectangular in shape are carried out by squaring and edging first and second sides (5, 6) of the panel (2) with reference to two parallel guides (28, 30, 32) opposed to each other, squaring and edging a third side (7) of the panel (2) with reference to one of the two guides (28, 30, 32), and squaring and edging a fourth side (8) of the panel (2) once the distance of the third side (7) from a given reference plane (R) has been measured and once the panel (2) has been moved according to the measured distance.