Wood Workpiece Identification Using Inherent Properties in Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for identifying and controlling wood and wood-based workpieces during machining are inefficient, prone to marking carrier loss or damage, require additional equipment, and fail to adapt to dimensional changes due to temperature variations, leading to improper processing.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that identify workpieces based on their inherent properties, using a single detection system to assign categories and adapt machining steps dynamically, eliminating the need for external markers and allowing real-time control and quality assurance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If marking carriers (barcodes, RFID tags, microchips) are applied to workpieces for identification, then workpiece identification and tracking are improved, but the risk of marking carrier loss or damage during processing increases, and additional equipment for application and detection is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkpiece identification reliabilityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the identification function from separate marking carriers and integrates it directly into the workpiece through its inherent properties. Instead of attaching external markers, the system uses the workpiece's own geometric and physical characteristics (dimensions, shape, material properties) as identification features, eliminating the need for additional marking carrier application and detection equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it detects workpiece properties for identification purposes and also monitors workpiece condition during processing. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate identification and processing monitoring equipment, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If external detection equipment is added to monitor workpiece properties, then processing accuracy can be improved, but equipment expenditure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoidequipment expenditure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The same detection system is used for both identifying workpiece categories based on their properties and monitoring workpiece condition during processing. This multi-functional detection system eliminates the need for separate identification equipment and processing monitoring equipment, reducing overall equipment expenditure while maintaining processing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the identification function and processing monitoring function into a single integrated detection system. By combining these functions, the system reduces equipment expenditure while achieving both accurate workpiece identification and precise processing control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If workpiece properties are recorded upstream for identification, then automated processing can be achieved, but the same properties must also be used for quality control, requiring additional detection equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing automationVSAvoiddetection system quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system performs dual functions: it records workpiece properties upstream for automated identification and category assignment, and simultaneously monitors these same properties during processing for quality control. This eliminates the need for separate detection equipment for identification and quality control, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4104025B1Method and device for identifying workpieces
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 HOMAG GMBH
  • EP4104025B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4104025B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for identifying workpieces, which preferably consist at least partly of wood, wood materials, or the like, in a machining process, having the steps of: detecting at least one workpiece property prior to a machining step, uniquely assigning a workpiece category to the workpiece using the at least one detected workpiece property, and machining the workpiece, which has been determined using the assigned workpiece category of the workpiece, in the machining step.