Manual CNC Programming System for Cutter Coordinate Generation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual CNC programming is time-consuming and error-prone, requiring complex mathematical calculations for determining cutter location information, and lacks graphical verification and modification tools, making it difficult for machinists to accurately generate cutter coordinates.

Innovation Solution

A manual CNC programming system that allows manual entry and verification of coordinates in a comma-delimited ASCII text file, with CAD assistance for generating cutter coordinates and motion, including graphical verification and conversion to G-Code format, and automatic addition of cutter on/off commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual programming with mathematical calculations is used to determine cutter location information, then the programmer can generate NC programs, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of cutter coordinatesVSAvoidtime for calculations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary computer system that acts as a mediator between the programmer and the complex mathematical calculations. The computer executes automated calculation routines that compute cutter location coordinates based on input parameters, eliminating the need for manual trigonometric calculations while maintaining accuracy and reducing errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual mathematical calculation with an automated computational system. Instead of programmers manually performing trigonometric functions and coordinate transformations, the system uses computer-based algorithms to automatically generate cutter location information, significantly reducing time and eliminating calculation errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If complex CAM systems are used to generate cutter location information, then accuracy is improved, but the systems become expensive and require extensive knowledge beyond typical machine tool operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutter location accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential functions needed for manual programming from complex CAM systems. It provides a simplified computer-based system that performs specifically the cutter location calculation and NC program generation functions, without the unnecessary complexity of full-featured CAM packages. This extraction approach maintains accuracy while reducing system complexity and knowledge requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the programming system by simplifying the user interface and input requirements compared to complex CAM systems. It accepts basic machining parameters and automatically handles the complex transformations, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing the complexity burden on the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If APT language is used for computer aided programming, then automated calculation of cutter location is achieved, but the language becomes convoluted and difficult for most machinists to understand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated calculation capabilityVSAvoidprogramming language difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simplified, purpose-specific programming approach rather than requiring mastery of complex, permanent languages like APT. The system uses straightforward input formats and automated processing that can be learned quickly by machinists, sacrificing the comprehensive versatility of APT in favor of ease of use for the specific task of cutter location calculation and NC program generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Extent of automation

If CAD systems are used to measure coordinates, then automation is improved, but the programmer must still manually transfer information and convert it to machine controller requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordinate measurement automationVSAvoidtime for information transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coordinate measurement function with the NC program generation function into a single integrated computer-based system. Instead of using separate CAD systems for measurement and then manually transferring data, the system combines these functions, automatically processing geometric information and directly generating the cutter location coordinates needed for NC programming, thereby eliminating the manual transfer step and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7761183B2Methods and systems for producing numerical control program files for controlling machine tools

Publication Date: 2010.07.20 SULLIVAN DOUGLAS G

AI summary

A manual computer numerical control (CNC) programming method and system (which may be embodied in whole or part in an article of manufacture or apparatus) in which coordinates may be manually entered into a text editor into a file format known as the coordinate work sheet (CWS) including verification, modification and conversion of the CWS to G-Code, the coordinate work sheet format being a comma delimited ASCII text file, and further including cutter on/off commands and using computer aided design (CAD) data to generate the coordinate work sheet (CWS).