Workpiece Stop Feedback and Imaging for Accurate Machine Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of workpiece processing machines, such as bending machines, face difficulties in monitoring the correct processing position of workpieces due to obstructed views, leading to reduced ease of use, process reliability, and processing speed, as they must assume unnatural positions to check the workpiece position and receive inadequate feedback on contact with stops.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece stop with a partially alignable finger stop equipped with sensors, a signal output device for vibration feedback, and an imaging device that provides a virtual perspective of the machine's interior, allowing operators to maintain their working position while ensuring accurate positioning and feedback on workpiece contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the operator looks inside the machine to monitor the workpiece position, then the operator can see the correct processing position, but the operator must assume an unnatural position and the view is blocked by the upper beam and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the workpiece and machine interior, then displays these images on a screen at the operator's working position. This creates a visual copy of the interior view, allowing the operator to monitor the workpiece position without physically looking inside the machine or assuming unnatural positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera and display screen as intermediary devices between the operator and the workpiece. The camera captures the interior view and transmits it to the display, which presents the information at the operator's convenient working position, eliminating the need for direct visual inspection inside the machine.
2Extent of automation
If sensors are added to finger stops to detect workpiece contact, then automated positioning is possible, but the sensor-related contour design limits the bending spectrum and provides no visual feedback to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the finger stop assembly: mechanical positioning (finger stop), contact detection (sensor), and visual feedback (camera viewing). This multi-functional design allows the same component to serve both automated positioning and operator monitoring needs without requiring separate elements that would limit the bending spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors detect workpiece contact with the finger stop, and this information is conveyed to the operator through the camera display system. The operator can see when the workpiece is correctly positioned, providing visual confirmation that complements the automated sensor detection.
3Area of stationary object
If cameras are mounted at high positions with large viewing angles to monitor the rear stop, then the entire area is detectable, but the perspective does not correspond to the operator's working position and requires constant view changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the camera to capture the rear stop area from a specific angle that corresponds to the operator's natural viewing position. Rather than using a high-mounted camera with a broad view that requires interpretation, the system provides a localized view that matches the operator's perspective, making the information immediately usable without mental transformation.
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
Enhances ease of use, process reliability, and processing speed by allowing operators to maintain their position, receive immediate vibration feedback, and visually monitor the workpiece's correct positioning without changing their stance, thus improving overall operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration generating unit (41) for generating and transmitting a vibration to an operating element (42) of the workpiece processing machine as the signal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a workpiece stop, a signal output device for outputting a signal directly perceivable to an operator of a workpiece processing machine from his/her working position, an imaging device for generating at least one image of the interior of a workpiece processing machine, a device for monitoring a processing position of a workpiece, a work-piece processing machine, a use of a device for monitoring a processing position of a work-piece, a use of a workpiece processing machine and a method for processing a workpiece in a workpiece processing machine. These devices and method promote safe and efficient operation of a workpiece processing machine.