20240033914. SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCOUNTING FOR COMPLIANCE IN A WORKPIECE DURING AUTONOMOUS PROCESSING simplified abstract (GrayMatter Robotics Inc.)

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCOUNTING FOR COMPLIANCE IN A WORKPIECE DURING AUTONOMOUS PROCESSING

Organization Name

GrayMatter Robotics Inc.

Inventor(s)

Avadhoot Ahire of Gardena CA (US)

Cheng Gong of Gardena CA (US)

Rishav Guha of Gardena CA (US)

Satyandra K. Gupta of Gardena CA (US)

Ariyan M. Kabir of Gardena CA (US)

Vihan Krishnan of Gardena CA (US)

Sagar Panchal of Gardena CA (US)

Brual C. Shah of Gardena CA (US)

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCOUNTING FOR COMPLIANCE IN A WORKPIECE DURING AUTONOMOUS PROCESSING - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240033914 titled 'SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCOUNTING FOR COMPLIANCE IN A WORKPIECE DURING AUTONOMOUS PROCESSING

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a method for sanding a workpiece using a virtual model to maintain forces on the workpiece. The method involves defining different regions of the workpiece with varying compliance ranges, assigning a target force to the workpiece, and navigating a sanding head across the workpiece. The sanding head is driven below a virtual unloaded surface of the workpiece to maintain forces approximating the target force. The method also calculates the maximum offset between the sanding head position and the virtual unloaded surface, and when the offset approaches the maximum deflection distance, a lower target force is assigned to a different region of the workpiece.

• The method involves accessing the maximum deflection distance of a workpiece.
• It defines different workpiece regions with varying compliance ranges.
• A nominal target force is assigned to the workpiece.
• A sanding head is navigated across the first workpiece region during a processing cycle.
• The sanding head is driven below a virtual unloaded surface of the workpiece to maintain forces approximating the target force.
• The method calculates the maximum offset between the sanding head position and the virtual unloaded surface.
• When the first maximum offset approaches the maximum deflection distance, a lower target force is assigned to the second workpiece region.

Potential applications of this technology:

• Woodworking industry: This method can be used in sanding wood surfaces, ensuring consistent and controlled sanding forces across different regions of the workpiece.
• Automotive industry: It can be applied in sanding car body panels, providing precise and uniform sanding results.
• Metalworking industry: This method can be used in sanding metal surfaces, improving the efficiency and quality of the sanding process.

Problems solved by this technology:

• Inconsistent sanding forces: By using the virtual model and maintaining forces on the workpiece, this method ensures consistent sanding forces across different regions, resulting in uniform surface finishes.
• Over-sanding or under-sanding: The method calculates the maximum offset and adjusts the target force accordingly, preventing excessive sanding or insufficient material removal.

Benefits of this technology:

• Improved surface quality: By maintaining consistent sanding forces, this method helps achieve a higher quality surface finish on the workpiece.
• Increased efficiency: The virtual model and automated adjustment of target forces streamline the sanding process, reducing the need for manual adjustments and improving overall productivity.
• Enhanced control and precision: The method allows for precise control of sanding forces, resulting in more accurate material removal and better surface uniformity.

Original Abstract Submitted

one variation of a method includes: accessing a maximum deflection distance of a workpiece; defining a first workpiece region characterized by a first compliance range; defining a second workpiece region characterized by a second compliance range greater than the first compliance range; assigning a nominal target force to the workpiece; navigating a sanding head across the first workpiece region during a processing cycle; driving the sanding head below a virtual unloaded surface of the workpiece stored in the virtual model to maintain forces, of the sanding head on the first workpiece region, approximating the nominal target force; calculating a maximum offset between the positions of the sanding head in the first workpiece region and the virtual unloaded surface; and, in response to the first maximum offset approaching the maximum deflection distance, assigning a lower target force to the second workpiece region of the workpiece.