Heat pipe intelligent pipe bending system and method

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of heat pipe intelligent pipe bending system and method, and the pipe bending system includes three-dimensional model identification module, process parameter calculation module, pipe material collision detection module, automatic pipe bending machine module, three-dimensional feature extraction module and parameter compensation calculation module;Three-dimensional model identification module extracts first feature parameter from first pipe bending three-dimensional model;Process parameter calculation module calculates the process parameter required for heat pipe bending according to first feature parameter;Pipe material collision detection module detects pipe material collision interference according to the process parameter required for heat pipe bending;Automatic pipe bending machine module carries out pipe bending operation to the heat pipe to be processed according to process parameter;Three-dimensional feature extraction module constructs second pipe bending three-dimensional model according to pipe bending and extracts second feature parameter;Parameter compensation calculation module compares first feature parameter and second feature parameter.The process parameter design of heat pipe bending reduces the dependence on the experience of operator, improves the consistency and reliability of heat pipe processing process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat pipe bending and forming manufacturing technology, specifically to a smart heat pipe bending system and method. Background Technology

[0002] As electronic chip sizes continue to shrink and device densities increase, heat dissipation becomes an increasingly serious problem. Heat pipes, as highly efficient heat conduction components, have become a key technology for solving this problem.

[0003] The manufacturing process of heat pipes involves multiple steps, among which bending is one of the key steps, typically achieved using a bending forming technique. The parameter settings for this process are influenced by the structural characteristics of the pipe material and the bending forming parameters. Currently, although CNC bending machines are gradually replacing traditional manual bending methods in heat pipe bending production, manual bending still accounts for a considerable proportion. This situation limits the improvement of production efficiency and product quality, and also leads to insufficient automation and increased production costs. Furthermore, with the increase in the types of heat pipes and the expansion of market demand, the requirements for heat pipe shapes have become more diverse and complex. In determining the bending process parameters, operators usually need to rely on personal experience and knowledge, obtaining suitable process parameters and CNC programs through repeated trial and error and fixture inspection. However, this reliance on manually extracting bending parameters and forming methods can no longer meet the needs of modern high-efficiency production. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the heat pipe bending process to improve production efficiency and product quality, while reducing costs and meeting market demand for complex-shaped heat pipes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a heat pipe intelligent bending system and method, in which the heat pipe bending process parameters are designed without relying on the operator's experience, ensuring product consistency and reliability, and eliminating the need for gauge measurement after heat pipe forming.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A heat pipe intelligent bending system includes a 3D model recognition module, a process parameter calculation module, a pipe collision detection module, an automatic bending machine module, a 3D feature extraction module, and a parameter compensation calculation module;

[0007] The 3D model recognition module is used to extract the first feature parameters from the digitized 3D model of the first bend and send them to the process parameter calculation module;

[0008] The process parameter calculation module is used to calculate the process parameters required for heat pipe bending based on the first characteristic parameter and send them to the pipe collision detection module.

[0009] The pipe collision detection module is used to perform pipe collision interference detection according to the process parameters required for heat pipe bending, and outputs the process parameters to the automatic pipe bending machine module after the detection is qualified.

[0010] The automatic tube bending machine module is used to bend the heat pipes to be processed according to process parameters.

[0011] The 3D feature extraction module is used to construct a second 3D model of the pipe based on the pipe processed by the automatic pipe bending machine module, and extract the second feature parameters from the second 3D model of the pipe and send them to the parameter compensation calculation module.

[0012] The parameter compensation calculation module is used to compare the first feature parameter and the second feature parameter. If the comparison result is outside the error range, the process parameters are compensated and optimized. If the comparison result is within the error range, the process parameters are saved.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a heat pipe information restoration module, which is used to convert the two-dimensional engineering drawings of the finished heat pipe into a digital three-dimensional model of the first bend and send it to the three-dimensional model recognition module.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a software-machine communication module, which is connected to the process parameter calculation module, the automatic pipe bending machine module, and the parameter compensation calculation module.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a 3D model display module, which is connected to the 3D model recognition module and the 3D feature extraction module respectively, and is used to display and compare the 3D models of the first bend and the second bend.

[0016] A method for intelligent bending of heat pipes includes the following steps:

[0017] The 3D model recognition module extracts the first feature parameter from the digitized 3D model of the first bend and sends it to the process parameter calculation module;

[0018] The process parameter calculation module calculates the process parameters required for heat pipe bending based on the first characteristic parameter and sends them to the pipe collision detection module.

[0019] The pipe collision detection module performs pipe collision interference detection based on the process parameters required for heat pipe bending, and outputs the process parameters to the automatic pipe bending machine module after the detection is qualified.

[0020] The automatic tube bending machine module performs tube bending operations on the heat pipes to be processed according to the process parameters;

[0021] The 3D feature extraction module constructs a second 3D model of the bent pipe based on the bent pipe processed by the automatic pipe bending machine module, and extracts the second feature parameters from the second 3D model of the bent pipe and sends them to the parameter compensation calculation module.

[0022] The parameter compensation calculation module compares the first feature parameter and the second feature parameter. If the comparison result is outside the error range, the process parameter is compensated and optimized. If the comparison result is within the error range, the process parameter is saved.

[0023] Furthermore, the method for obtaining the digitized three-dimensional model of the first bend is to use the heat pipe information restoration module to convert the two-dimensional engineering drawings of the finished heat pipe into a digitized three-dimensional model of the first bend.

[0024] Furthermore, the process parameter calculation module includes a bending process parameter database, which stores data on the plastic forming quality of various types of heat pipe bends under different combinations of process parameters. The process parameters required for heat pipe bending are obtained by preprocessing the first characteristic parameter in the process parameter calculation module according to the pipe bending limit forming theory, and then retrieving the mapping relationship between the bending process parameters and the plastic forming quality of the bending pipe stored in the bending process parameter database, and outputting the process parameters required for heat pipe bending through empirical formulas.

[0025] Furthermore, the pipe collision interference detection includes generating a heat pipe enclosure based on the process parameters required for heat pipe bending, selecting feature points of the heat pipe enclosure, performing matrix transformation on the movement of the heat pipe during the processing, and detecting whether there is interference between the heat pipe and the heat pipe enclosure.

[0026] Furthermore, in the pipe collision interference detection, if there is collision interference between the heat pipe and the heat pipe enclosure, the process parameters are redesigned and avoidance actions are added.

[0027] Furthermore, the second feature parameter is obtained by using binocular structured light technology. The three-dimensional feature extraction module constructs a second three-dimensional model of the bent pipe from the image of the bent pipe processed by the automatic pipe bending machine module. After calibration and correction of the second three-dimensional model of the bent pipe, coordinate calculation is performed to obtain the point cloud data of the bent pipe. Feature extraction is performed on the point cloud data of the bent pipe to obtain the second feature parameter of the bent pipe.

[0028] In summary, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0029] This invention extracts complex geometric parameters from the 3D digital model of a heat pipe bend. Through simulation and experimental verification, a database of heat pipe bending process parameters and collision detection are constructed. A mapping relationship between bending process parameters and the plastic forming quality of the bend is established. Based on binocular structured light technology, a heat pipe bending measurement system is built, enabling the extraction of geometric parameters from processed bends and the optimization of processing parameters, replacing the repeated trial-and-error process in heat pipe bending. The improved heat pipe bending process parameter design reduces reliance on operator experience, significantly improves production efficiency, enhances the consistency and reliability of the heat pipe processing, and eliminates the need for fixture measurement after heat pipe forming, thus reducing manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a system structure diagram of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the process of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the calculation and processing parameters for the pipe bending database in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will now be described in further detail.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, a heat pipe intelligent bending system includes a heat pipe information restoration module, a 3D model recognition module, a process parameter calculation module, a pipe collision detection module, an automatic bending machine module, a 3D feature extraction module, a software-machine communication module, a 3D model display module, and a parameter compensation calculation module.

[0035] like Figure 2 The diagram shows a flowchart of the process of using this system.

[0036] The heat pipe information restoration module is used to convert the two-dimensional engineering drawings of the finished heat pipe into a digital three-dimensional model of the first bend and send it to the three-dimensional model recognition module for subsequent parameter recognition and processing.

[0037] The 3D model recognition module is used to extract the first feature parameters from the digitized 3D model of the first bend and send them to the process parameter calculation module. The first feature parameters include, but are not limited to, key dimensions such as length, diameter, bending angle, bending radius, and 3D angle.

[0038] The process parameter calculation module uses simulation analysis and experimental verification to build a bending process parameter database. Based on the data in the bending parameter database, according to the first feature parameter, the process parameter design algorithm is used to calculate the process parameters required for heat pipe bending and send them to the pipe collision detection module. The process parameters include, but are not limited to, bending position, bending angle, and die entry and exit positions.

[0039] The pipe collision detection module uses a collision detection algorithm to detect pipe collision interference based on the process parameters required for heat pipe bending. This ensures that no collisions occur between pipes during processing, determines the feasibility of the process parameters, and outputs the process parameters to the automatic pipe bending machine module after the detection is qualified.

[0040] The automatic pipe bending machine module, controlled by the host computer, executes specific pipe bending operations through various servo systems, and is used to bend the heat pipes to be processed according to the process parameters.

[0041] The three-dimensional feature extraction module, based on binocular structured light technology, is used to construct a second three-dimensional model of the bent pipe based on the bent pipe processed by the automatic pipe bending machine module, and extract second feature parameters from the second three-dimensional model of the bent pipe and send them to the parameter compensation calculation module. The second feature parameters include, but are not limited to, length, diameter, bending angle, bending radius, three-dimensional angle, etc.

[0042] The 3D model display module is connected to the 3D model recognition module and the 3D feature extraction module respectively, and is used to display and compare the 3D models of the first bend and the second bend. The 3D model display module includes the opencascade geometric kernel, which can display the input results and measurement results in the form of digital models. The display forms include rotation, translation, scaling and adaptation, and can also compare the two to judge the processing error.

[0043] The parameter compensation calculation module is used to compare the first feature parameter and the second feature parameter, calculate the necessary parameter compensation value to correct the error of the process parameter: if the comparison result is outside the error range, the process parameter is compensated and optimized; if the comparison result is within the error range, the process parameter is saved.

[0044] The software-machine communication module is connected to the process parameter calculation module, the automatic pipe bending machine module, and the parameter compensation calculation module, respectively, to realize information transmission and coordinated control between the host computer and the slave computer in the automation system. The software-machine communication module communicates with the automatic pipe bending machine module via the MODBUS communication protocol; the communication content is the process parameters obtained by the process parameter calculation module or the parameter compensation calculation module. Based on the transmitted process parameters, the automatic pipe bending machine module generates a CNC program to control the pipe bending and forming, and sends it to the controller via the EtherCAT bus to control the corresponding servo system.

[0045] A method for intelligent heat pipe bending, using the aforementioned intelligent heat pipe bending system, includes the following steps.

[0046] S1. The operator receives the two-dimensional engineering drawing file after the heat pipe has been flattened and manufactured. Through the heat pipe information restoration module, the operator restores it into a standard digital three-dimensional model of the first bend of the pipe. The file format is STEP format.

[0047] S2. Input the above STEP file, and use the 3D model recognition module to extract the complete product model data, including geometric information, stored in the file based on the STEP application protocol. Read each line of the STEP file in turn and classify the effective information. Based on this model, obtain the first feature parameters such as the straight segment length, bending angle, bending radius, and three-dimensional angle between straight segments of the bend.

[0048] S3. Input the first feature parameter obtained in S2 into the process parameter calculation module. By performing data preprocessing, calling the database, combining collision detection, and combining the bending feature parameters, the bending process parameters are output.

[0049] S3 specifically includes the following steps:

[0050] S31. In the process parameter calculation module, the mapping relationship between the bending process parameters and the plastic forming quality of the bending pipe is obtained through simulation analysis and experimental verification tests. A bending process parameter database is established and the relevant data is saved in the database.

[0051] S32. In the process parameter calculation module, the first characteristic parameter of the input bend is preprocessed by the pipe bending limit forming theory. According to the pipe specifications and bending angle, it is divided into one-time forming or multiple forming. By retrieving the mapping relationship stored in the database, the heat pipe bending processing parameters are output, such as the length of the straight segment, the bending angle of the bent segment, the bending radius, and the three-dimensional angle between the straight segments.

[0052] S33. Perform collision interference detection on the heat pipe bending process parameters output above. First, generate the heat pipe enclosure and select the feature points of the enclosure. Perform matrix transformation on the movement of the heat pipe during the processing to obtain the collision detection results. If collision interference exists, redesign the process parameters and add avoidance actions; if there is no collision interference, output the processing parameter results.

[0053] like Figure 3A diagram showing the calculation parameters for pipe bending is provided, illustrating that the input parameters for the process parameter calculation module include pipe characteristic parameters and pipe specifications. The pipe bending database stores data including pipe bending limit forming theory, pre-bending and final bending process parameters, and springback amounts for different pipe specifications. This database manages bending forming process parameters. Through simulation analysis and experimental verification tests, the mapping relationship between pipe bending quality and the combination of process parameters is derived, clarifying the relationship between different factors on forming quality and revealing the patterns of pipe bending process parameters. The output process parameter set includes the straight segment length, bending angle, bending radius, three-dimensional angles between straight segments, and the die entry and exit positions.

[0054] S4. Input the bending process parameters obtained in S3 into the software machine communication module. The host computer automatically writes the program for the CNC bending machine and transmits data to the automatic bending machine module via the MODBUS communication protocol. The slave computer is the controller of the automatic bending machine, which sends commands to the drivers of each servo system via the EtherCAT bus and executes corresponding actions according to the instructions of the host computer.

[0055] S5. Place the completed bent pipe into the 3D feature extraction module. Based on binocular structured light technology, reverse engineer the bent pipe to construct a second 3D model of the bent pipe, extract the second feature parameters of the second 3D model of the bent pipe, and provide an intuitive display and comparison function between the first and second 3D models of the bent pipe in the 3D model display module, making it easier for operators to evaluate the forming quality of the bent pipe.

[0056] S5 specifically includes the following steps:

[0057] S51. The operator needs to put the bent pipe processed by the above-mentioned automatic bending machine into the three-dimensional feature extraction module. The device is based on binocular structured light technology and has been calibrated before being put into use. The bent pipe needs to be put into the device and click to start image acquisition. After the acquired image is calibrated and corrected, coordinate calculation is performed to obtain point cloud data. A series of filtering, random sampling, plane segmentation, point cloud registration, etc. are performed on the reconstructed point cloud data to obtain the final processed point cloud data of the bent pipe.

[0058] S52. Perform feature extraction on the final processed point cloud data to obtain the second feature parameters of the processed bend, including parameters such as straight segments and curved segments. The point cloud result can be displayed in the 3D model display module.

[0059] S6. Input the second feature parameter extracted in S5 into the parameter compensation calculation module and compare it with the first and second feature parameters. If the comparison result is not within the error range, perform compensation calculation on the pipe bending processing parameters obtained in S3, and re-evaluate after S3, S4, and S5. If the comparison result is within the error range, it indicates that the process parameters have been optimized and mass production of this type of pipe can begin.

[0060] The heat pipe bending process is applicable to heat pipes used in laptops and CPU / GPUs, among others. The intelligent heat pipe bending system, based on C++ / QT, can serve as the development environment and tool. By optimizing the process of obtaining processing parameters for bending according to the above procedure, the system can ultimately meet the needs of improving production efficiency and reducing production costs.

[0061] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for intelligent bending of heat pipes, characterized in that: A heat pipe intelligent bending system is adopted, which includes a three-dimensional model recognition module, a process parameter calculation module, a pipe collision detection module, an automatic bending machine module, a three-dimensional feature extraction module, and a parameter compensation calculation module. The 3D model recognition module is used to extract the first feature parameters from the digitized 3D model of the first bend and send them to the process parameter calculation module; The process parameter calculation module is used to calculate the process parameters required for heat pipe bending based on the first characteristic parameter and send them to the pipe collision detection module. The pipe collision detection module is used to perform pipe collision interference detection according to the process parameters required for heat pipe bending, and outputs the process parameters to the automatic pipe bending machine module after the detection is qualified. The automatic tube bending machine module is used to bend the heat pipes to be processed according to process parameters. The 3D feature extraction module is used to construct a second 3D model of the pipe based on the pipe processed by the automatic pipe bending machine module, and extract the second feature parameters from the second 3D model of the pipe and send them to the parameter compensation calculation module. The parameter compensation calculation module is used to compare the first feature parameter and the second feature parameter. If the comparison result is outside the error range, the process parameters are compensated and optimized. If the comparison result is within the error range, the process parameters are saved. Includes the following steps, The 3D model recognition module extracts the first feature parameter from the digitized 3D model of the first bend and sends it to the process parameter calculation module; The process parameter calculation module calculates the process parameters required for heat pipe bending based on the first characteristic parameter and sends them to the pipe collision detection module. The pipe collision detection module performs pipe collision interference detection based on the process parameters required for heat pipe bending, and outputs the process parameters to the automatic pipe bending machine module after the detection is qualified. The automatic tube bending machine module performs tube bending operations on the heat pipes to be processed according to the process parameters; The 3D feature extraction module constructs a second 3D model of the bent pipe based on the bent pipe processed by the automatic pipe bending machine module, and extracts the second feature parameters from the second 3D model of the bent pipe and sends them to the parameter compensation calculation module. The parameter compensation calculation module compares the first feature parameter and the second feature parameter. If the comparison result is outside the error range, the process parameter is compensated and optimized. If the comparison result is within the error range, the process parameter is saved. The process parameter calculation module includes a bending process parameter database, which stores data on the plastic forming quality of various types of heat pipe bends under different combinations of process parameters. The process parameters required for heat pipe bending are obtained by preprocessing the first characteristic parameter in the process parameter calculation module according to the pipe bending limit forming theory. Then, by retrieving the mapping relationship between the bending process parameters and the plastic forming quality of the bending pipe stored in the bending process parameter database, the process parameters required for heat pipe bending are output by reasoning through empirical formulas. The second feature parameter is obtained by using binocular structured light technology. The three-dimensional feature extraction module constructs a second three-dimensional model of the bent pipe from the image of the bent pipe processed by the automatic pipe bending machine module. After calibration and correction of the second three-dimensional model of the bent pipe, coordinate calculation is performed to obtain the point cloud data of the bent pipe. Feature extraction is performed on the point cloud data of the bent pipe to obtain the second feature parameter of the bent pipe. Pipe collision interference detection includes generating a heat pipe enclosure based on the process parameters required for heat pipe bending, selecting feature points of the heat pipe enclosure, performing matrix transformation on the movement of the heat pipe during processing, and detecting whether there is interference between the heat pipe and the heat pipe enclosure.

2. The pipe bending method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method for obtaining the digital three-dimensional model of the first bend is to use the heat pipe information restoration module to convert the two-dimensional engineering drawings of the finished heat pipe into a digital three-dimensional model of the first bend.

3. The pipe bending method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the detection of pipe collision interference, if there is collision interference between the heat pipe and the heat pipe enclosure, the process parameters should be redesigned and avoidance actions should be added.

4. The pipe bending method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent heat pipe bending system also includes a heat pipe information restoration module, which is used to convert the two-dimensional engineering drawings of the finished heat pipe into a digital three-dimensional model of the first bend and send it to the three-dimensional model recognition module.

5. The pipe bending method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat pipe intelligent bending system also includes a software-machine communication module, which is connected to the process parameter calculation module, the automatic bending machine module, and the parameter compensation calculation module.

6. The pipe bending method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat pipe intelligent bending system also includes a 3D model display module, which is connected to the 3D model recognition module and the 3D feature extraction module respectively, and is used to display and compare the 3D models of the first bend and the second bend.

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