Workpiece Division Planning for Internal Stress Dimensional Deviation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing workpiece division methods, such as panel dividing saws, face challenges in producing second workpieces with accurate dimensions due to internal mechanical stresses in the first workpiece, leading to deviations from target dimensions, which can result in distorted shapes and the need for post-processing or rework.

Innovation Solution

A method that assesses and predicts the expected dimensional deviation of second workpieces before division by analyzing internal mechanical stresses in the first workpiece, allowing for adjustments in the division plan to minimize deviations and optimize material usage, including stress relief cuts and repositioning of workpieces to ensure quality requirements are met.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If division is performed without considering internal mechanical stresses, then division process is simple and fast, but dimensional accuracy of second workpieces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional accuracyVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the expected dimensional deviation before the division process occurs. The system calculates predicted deviations based on storage conditions and material properties, then uses this information to adjust the division plan in advance, allowing accurate cuts without complex real-time measurement systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by adjusting division plan parameters (cut positions, orientations) based on predicted dimensional deviations. The system modifies cutting parameters to compensate for expected warping, transforming the approach from reactive correction to proactive parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If post-processing is performed to correct dimensional deviations, then quality requirements are met, but productivity decreases and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional accuracyVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prevents the need for post-processing by performing preliminary determination of dimensional deviations and adjusting the division plan before cutting. This proactive approach eliminates subsequent rework, maintaining high productivity while ensuring quality requirements are met from the first production cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using information about actual dimensional deviations from previous operations to improve future division plans. The system learns from past performance data to progressively reduce deviations, eliminating the need for reactive post-processing while maintaining continuous improvement in productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If first workpieces are stored longer to reduce internal stresses, then dimensional accuracy improves, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional accuracyVSAvoidstorage time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the approach by not waiting for natural stress reduction over time. Instead, it determines expected dimensional deviations based on storage condition parameters and immediately adjusts the division plan accordingly, achieving high precision without extended storage periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the natural mechanical stress relaxation process (which requires time) with a computational system that calculates and compensates for deviations. This substitution eliminates the need for time-based stress reduction while achieving the same dimensional accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of substance

If division plan is adjusted based on expected deviations, then material utilization improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial wasteVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes material utilization by changing division plan parameters (cut positions, orientations, sequencing) based on predicted dimensional deviations. The system rearranges the division plan to place cuts where they will produce the most usable workpieces, minimizing material waste through intelligent parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by treating different regions of the first workpiece differently in the division plan. Based on predicted deviations in specific areas, the system optimizes cut positions and orientations locally to maximize the utility of each region, rather than applying a uniform approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4378610A1Method of dividing a first workpiece into second workpieces and method of providing an anticipated dimensional deviation to a second workpiece
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 HOMAG PLATTENAUFTEILTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4378610A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4378610A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4378610A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a method for dividing a first workpiece (51) into second workpieces (48), assuming a specific use of the first workpiece (51) for or during the division, at least one dimension is provided that characterizes an expected deviation of at least one actual dimension of a second workpiece (48) from a corresponding nominal dimension. The use of the first workpiece (51) for the division and/or during the division, or the rejection of the first workpiece (51), depends on the dimension provided.