20240033915. METHOD FOR AUTONOMOUSLY REPAIRING SURFACE DEFECTS IN A WORKPIECE THROUGH SURFACE MODIFICATIONS simplified abstract (GrayMatter Robotics Inc.)

METHOD FOR AUTONOMOUSLY REPAIRING SURFACE DEFECTS IN A WORKPIECE THROUGH SURFACE MODIFICATIONS

Organization Name

GrayMatter Robotics Inc.

Inventor(s)

Avadhoot Ahire of Gardena CA (US)

YiWei Chen of Gardena CA (US)

Rishav Guha of Gardena CA (US)

Satyandra K. Gupta of Gardena CA (US)

Ariyan M. Kabir of Gardena CA (US)

Ashish Kulkarni of Gardena CA (US)

Ceasar Navarro of Gardena CA (US)

Sagar Panchal of Gardena CA (US)

Brual C. Shah of Gardena CA (US)

METHOD FOR AUTONOMOUSLY REPAIRING SURFACE DEFECTS IN A WORKPIECE THROUGH SURFACE MODIFICATIONS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240033915 titled 'METHOD FOR AUTONOMOUSLY REPAIRING SURFACE DEFECTS IN A WORKPIECE THROUGH SURFACE MODIFICATIONS

Simplified Explanation

The method described in this patent application involves the following steps:

• Compiling lower-resolution images captured during a global scan cycle over a workpiece to create a virtual model.
• Defining a nominal toolpath and a nominal target force for the workpiece based on the virtual model.
• Detecting a defect indicator on the workpiece using the lower-resolution images.
• Accessing a higher-resolution image captured during a local scan cycle over the defect indicator.
• Characterizing the defect indicator as a defect that can be repaired through material removal based on the higher-resolution image.
• Defining a repair toolpath for the defect based on the virtual model.
• Navigating a sanding head over the workpiece according to the repair toolpath to repair the defect.
• During a processing cycle, navigating the sanding head across the workpiece according to the nominal toolpath and deviating the sanding head from the nominal toolpath to maintain forces of the sanding head on the workpiece proximal to the nominal target force.

Potential applications of this technology:

• Automated defect detection and repair in manufacturing processes.
• Quality control in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
• Surface finishing and refinishing in various manufacturing sectors.

Problems solved by this technology:

• Efficient detection and repair of defects on workpieces.
• Improved accuracy and precision in defect repair.
• Reduction in manual labor and human error in defect repair processes.

Benefits of this technology:

• Increased productivity and efficiency in manufacturing processes.
• Enhanced product quality and reliability.
• Cost savings through automated defect detection and repair.
• Reduction in material waste and rework.

Original Abstract Submitted

a method includes: compiling lower-resolution images, captured during a global scan cycle executed over a workpiece, into a virtual model; defining a nominal toolpath and a nominal target force for the workpiece based on a the virtual model; detecting a defect indicator on the workpiece based on the lower-resolution images; accessing a higher-resolution image captured during a local scan cycle over the defect indicator; characterizing the defect indicator as a defect reparable via material removal based on the higher-resolution image; defining a repair toolpath for the defect based on the virtual model; navigating a sanding head over the workpiece according to the repair toolpath to repair the defect; and, during a processing cycle: navigating the sanding head across the workpiece according to the nominal toolpath and deviating the sanding head from the nominal toolpath to maintain forces of the sanding head on the workpiece proximal the nominal target force.