CAM Tool Path Planning With AI Parameter Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

The intuitive planning of tool paths in Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems is challenging due to the complexity of parameter settings, requiring extensive user experience and computing power, especially when dealing with a high number of parameters.

Innovation Solution

The method employs trained artificial neural networks to automatically determine parameter settings for tool paths based on recorded input device movements, with computing power increasing linearly with the number of parameters, allowing for efficient and intuitive planning even with a large number of parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual parameter setting via menu-driven interface is used, then user control over tool path parameters is maintained, but the complexity of operation increases and requires extensive user experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of tool path planningVSAvoidcomplexity of parameter settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines optimal parameter settings by analyzing the recorded input device trajectory and comparing it with stored reference trajectories. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually configure multiple parameters, transforming a complex manual configuration process into an automatic system that selects parameters based on trajectory pattern recognition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If automatic tool path calculation from target geometry is used, then user involvement is minimized, but the full possibilities of the CAM system cannot be exploited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of tool path determinationVSAvoidexploitation of CAM system possibilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The input device serves as an intermediary between the user and the automatic calculation system. By recording the user's manual trajectory and using it as input for automatic parameter determination, the system combines the intuitive guidance of manual operation with the computational power of automatic calculation, enabling both user control and system automation to coexist effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If hand movement tracing of entire tool path is used, then direct trajectory input is achieved, but time consumption increases for extensive or complex tool paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintuitive tool path specificationVSAvoidtime for tracing tool path

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system requires the user to trace only a portion or representative features of the tool path rather than the entire trajectory. The automatic calculation system then extrapolates and completes the full tool path based on this partial input, significantly reducing the time users must spend on manual tracing while still capturing the essential characteristics of the desired path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive parameter settings are manually configured, then precise control over machining parameters is achieved, but computing power requirements increase exponentially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of parameter settingsVSAvoidcomputing power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-stores multiple reference trajectories with their associated optimal parameter settings in a database. During operation, the system compares the recorded input trajectory against these pre-computed references and selects the best matching parameters, avoiding the need for real-time exhaustive computation and significantly reducing computing power requirements while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4492286A1Process for planning tool paths and cam system for tool machining

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

Figure 1~2

AI summary

Regarding a method for planning toolpaths for computer-aided manufacturing using a CAM system, in which a) at least one possible output toolpath is specified by a user by means of movement of at least one input device (5) and the movement of the input device is recorded with receiving means (6), b) output toolpath data is generated from the recorded movement of the at least one input device (5) and made available to a data processing system, and c) parameter settings of a workpiece machining operation are automatically determined from the output toolpath data, it is proposed that d) at least one trained artificial neural network (12) is used for data processing, wherein the output toolpath data is fed to the at least one artificial neural network (12) to determine the parameter settings.Furthermore, a CAM system suitable for the process is proposed, which includes at least one artificial neural network.