Workpiece Collecting Units With Visual Guidance for Accurate Part Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for sorting parts, particularly in machine tools like laser cut or punched sheet metal, are time-consuming and prone to errors due to the need for visual comparison, especially when dealing with a large variety of parts, which can lead to incorrect placement and subsequent processing issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of workpiece collecting units equipped with display and signal devices that provide operators with real-time information about the location and type of workpieces, integrated with a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for efficient sorting and processing, using imaging-based detection and communication systems to guide the placement of workpieces to their correct destinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual comparison methods are used for sorting parts, then operators can identify workpieces, but the sorting process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual comparison method with an automated imaging-based detection system. A camera captures images of workpieces, and image processing algorithms automatically identify and classify parts, eliminating the need for operators to visually compare each part with drawings. This substitution of mechanical/visual inspection with automated optical detection resolves the contradiction by providing both high accuracy and fast processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera, image processing unit, and signal device that mediates between the workpieces and the operator. The camera captures workpiece images, the processing unit analyzes them to determine correct placement locations, and the signal device provides feedback to guide operators. This intermediary automation system resolves the time-consuming nature of manual visual inspection while maintaining high sorting accuracy.
2Productivity
If operators manually sort workpieces by visual comparison, then they can place parts in collecting point units, but errors in placement occur with large variety of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the signal device (e.g., LED indicators, display screens) provides real-time information to operators about the correct placement location for each workpiece. The system analyzes the workpiece image, determines the appropriate collecting point unit, and feeds back this information through visual signals. This feedback loop ensures high placement accuracy even when dealing with large varieties of parts, while the automated analysis maintains high sorting efficiency.
3Loss of information
If paper-based sorting methods are used, then operators can track workpiece information, but the process requires individual search and assignment which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces paper-based information tracking with a digital image processing system. Instead of operators searching through physical drawings and manually recording workpiece information, the camera captures digital images, the processing unit automatically extracts and analyzes workpiece features, and the system digitally tracks all information. This digital substitution eliminates the time-consuming paper-based search and assignment processes while maintaining complete information tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
A workpiece collecting point unit for a machine tool, in particular for a flatbed machine tool, such as a laser cutting or punching flatbed machine tool, has a placing area for workpieces produced by the machine tool within the framework of a processing plan, a display unit adapted to display information about the workpieces, which are to be further processed and were placed on the placing area, to an operator, and a signal device adapted to output an identification signal indicating to an operator the location of the selected workpiece collecting point unit for placing the workpiece, which is to be further processed, on the placing area. The workpiece collecting point unit can be used inter alia in a process to support a sequence of processing steps for processing workpieces.