CAD Tool Path Mapping for Complex Surface CNC Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAD/CAM systems face challenges in generating accurate and efficient tool paths for complex shapes, requiring manual input and resulting in inconsistencies and increased computational intensity, which can lead to inaccuracies and time-consuming corrections.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow users to define reference points on a CAD model, generate equi-spaced reference points, and connect them with straight lines to form initial and secondary tool paths, with intermediate paths interpolated between them, enabling more precise and automated tool path generation across complex surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual input of limiting parameters is used to reduce computational power, then computational time is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inadvertent errors and approximation
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates limiting parameters and tool paths by having the CAD model itself define the geometry and constraints, eliminating manual user input. The model's inherent geometric information is used to self-determine the appropriate parameters for tool path generation, thus avoiding human error while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input methods with automated computational algorithms. Instead of users manually entering parameters, the system uses computer-based algorithms to automatically generate tool paths from the CAD model, substituting human operation with automated digital processing that maintains both speed and precision.
2Productivity
If resolution is reduced to decrease computational intensity, then processing speed is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to approximation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates tool paths with higher than traditionally necessary resolution by utilizing the full geometric information available in the CAD model. Instead of reducing resolution to speed up processing, the system processes the complete model data to generate highly precise tool paths, achieving both high speed and high precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach to resolution by dynamically adjusting tool path parameters based on the actual geometric complexity of the CAD model rather than using fixed low-resolution settings. This allows the system to maintain high resolution where needed while efficiently processing simpler areas, optimizing both speed and precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If high resolution tool pathing is generated for complex shapes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but computational intensity increases leading to longer processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex CAD model into manageable geometric components and generates tool paths for each segment independently. This segmentation allows the computational workload to be distributed and processed more efficiently, maintaining high resolution for complex areas while reducing overall computational time through parallel processing of divided model sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the CAD model geometry before generating tool paths, identifying complex areas that require high resolution and simpler areas that can be processed more quickly. This preliminary action allows the system to allocate computational resources efficiently, applying high-resolution processing only where necessary while maintaining overall precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for generating tool paths across a surface of a computer aided design (CAD) model having a complex shape. The method includes defining at least one reference point on the surface of the CAD model, generating a plurality of substantially equi-spaced reference points across the surface of the CAD model; connecting each of the reference points together with straight lines such that a first tool path is formed by a culmination of the straight lines; generating a second tool path across the surface of the CAD model; and, generating a plurality of intermediate tool paths that extend linearly between the first tool path and second tool path across the surface of a CAD model.