Aircraft Tool Path Customization via Sample Point Offsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating tool paths for objects are time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when dealing with large numbers of parts of the same type, as they often require full three-dimensional modeling or digital scanning, and rely on human operators for accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method that identifies a reference tool path based on an expected shape for a surface, generates offset data from sample points to account for actual shape variations, and modifies the tool path to create a customized path for each object, reducing the need for full modeling and minimizing human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a full three-dimensional model or digital scan is generated for each part to account for shape variations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surface evaluation into discrete sample points rather than requiring complete three-dimensional modeling of the entire part. By selecting specific sample points across the surface, the system obtains sufficient shape variation data without the time-consuming process of full digital scanning or modeling for each part.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by evaluating only selected sample points on the part surface rather than capturing the complete three-dimensional geometry. This partial evaluation provides adequate information about shape variations to customize tool paths while significantly reducing the time and resources required compared to full digital scanning.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual operations by human operators are used to ensure accuracy on each part, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically evaluating surface shape variations through sample point measurements and autonomously customizing tool paths based on the detected variations. This eliminates the need for human operators to manually assess each part and create individualized machining instructions, thereby maintaining precision while dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using measured data from sample points to automatically adjust and customize tool paths for each part. The system continuously receives shape variation information from measurements and uses this feedback to modify machining parameters, ensuring high precision without manual intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If a reference tool path is customized for each part based on its actual shape, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and processing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the customization process by segmenting the surface evaluation into discrete sample points rather than requiring complete three-dimensional modeling. This segmentation reduces the computational complexity of generating customized tool paths while maintaining the ability to account for shape variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a reference tool path as a template that is then modified based on sample point measurements. Instead of creating entirely new tool paths for each part, the system copies the reference path and adjusts it according to detected shape variations, significantly reducing the computational complexity of the customization process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for customizing tool paths. A reference tool path is identified for a tool based on an expected shape for a surface of an object. Offset data is generated for a plurality of sample points identified for use in evaluating the surface of the object. The offset data identifies a difference between the expected shape for the surface of the object and an actual shape of the surface of the object. The reference tool path is modified using the offset data to form a modified tool path for the tool.