3D Edge Path Generation for Automated CNC Deburring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CNC machine tools lack the flexibility to automatically correct variations in workpieces, particularly in high-precision mass production, necessitating manual deburring processes that are labor-intensive and difficult to control, especially when working with hard materials.

Innovation Solution

A processing path generating method and device that uses an image-capturing device to capture images from different positions on a workpiece, obtaining edge characteristics to fit three-dimensional edge information and generate a processing path, allowing for automated edge processing without the need for recalibration or manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual deburring is used after CNC processing, then flexibility to handle workpiece variations is improved, but labor cost and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to handle workpiece variationsVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical deburring process with an automated system that uses image capturing devices to detect workpiece edges and generates processing paths for automated deburring. This substitution eliminates manual labor while maintaining the ability to handle workpiece variations through automatic edge detection and path generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the CNC machine to automatically detect its own processing results and generate corrective processing paths without external intervention. The image capturing device mounted on the machine performs self-detection of edge deviations, and the control system automatically generates the necessary deburring paths, making the system self-correcting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual deburring is used after CNC processing, then flexibility to handle workpiece variations is improved, but labor cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to handle workpiece variationsVSAvoidlabor cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the workpiece edge geometry through image capturing and processing. This digital model is then used to generate the deburring path without requiring physical manual measurement or inspection, reducing labor costs while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If automated edge detection is implemented, then processing efficiency is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidedge detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the edge detection process into multiple segments by capturing images at different positions along the workpiece edge. The control system processes each segment separately and integrates the results to generate the complete processing path, reducing the precision burden on any single measurement point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from single-point measurement to multi-dimensional edge mapping by capturing images from multiple positions and angles. This dimensional approach allows the system to reconstruct the complete edge geometry with higher overall precision than any single measurement point could provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11694337B1Processing path generating method and device

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 IND TECH RES INST

AI summary

A processing path generating method includes the following steps. An image-capturing device is moved to the first position of the region of interest to perform an image-capture on a workpiece, so as to obtain a first image. The image-capturing device is moved to a second position to perform the image-capture on the workpiece, so as to obtain a second image. A first edge characteristic and a second edge characteristic of the workpiece are obtained according to the first image and the second image. Three-dimensional edge information of the workpiece is fitted according to the first edge characteristic and the second edge characteristic. A processing path is generated according to the three-dimensional edge information.