CNC Positioning Path Optimization via Kinematic Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CNC machine technologies require significant user interaction and trial-and-error to generate safe and efficient positioning paths, which are often machine-specific and not optimized, leading to longer machining times and potential collisions.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatically generating positioning path data for CNC machines by determining start and goal configurations, identifying valid paths through machine configuration space sampling, and simulating machine constraints to ensure collision-free and time-optimal paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional CAD/CAM software is used to generate positioning paths, then user interaction and trial-and-error are required to ensure safety, but this leads to increased user interaction time and potential collisions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision-free positioningVSAvoiduser interaction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-verification by automatically simulating positioning paths against machine constraints and collision scenarios without requiring user intervention. The path planning algorithm independently generates and validates paths, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error testing while ensuring collision-free operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary simulation and validation of positioning paths before actual machine execution. By pre-verifying paths against machine constraints, axis limits, and collision scenarios, the system eliminates the need for post-generation adjustments and user interaction, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If machine-specific positioning paths are generated through trial-and-error, then safety can be achieved, but the paths are not optimized and machining times are longer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe positioningVSAvoidmachining speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes positioning paths by dynamically adjusting motion parameters such as velocity profiles, acceleration rates, and path geometry within the simulated environment. By changing these parameters during simulation, the system generates both safe and time-optimal paths that are specific to each machine's capabilities without requiring trial-and-error on the actual machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic path optimization by simulating machine-specific constraints and capabilities to generate adaptive positioning paths. The algorithm dynamically adjusts path characteristics based on simulated machine responses, achieving both safety and productivity optimization simultaneously without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If positioning paths are optimized for one CNC machine, then machining efficiency improves, but the paths cannot be used on different machines without re-adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining efficiencyVSAvoidmachine-specific path compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates universal positioning paths by simulating multiple machine configurations and generating paths that adapt to different machine constraints. The path planning algorithm incorporates machine-specific parameters during simulation, allowing the same planning system to generate optimized paths for various machines without requiring manual re-adjustment, thus achieving both productivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If rapid motion is used for positioning paths, then machining time is reduced, but the risk of tool or workpiece collision increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning speedVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary collision simulation at high speeds before actual execution. By pre-testing rapid positioning paths against machine constraints and potential collision scenarios in the simulated environment, the system identifies and corrects collision risks before they occur on the actual machine, enabling safe rapid motion without increasing collision risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3028103B1Device, system and methods for automatic development and optimization of positioning paths for multi-axis numerically controlled machining

Publication Date: 2020.12.09 ICAM RES CORP

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AI summary

Optimized positioning paths for multi-axis CNC machining can be generated based on the machine tool kinematics, machine axes travel limits, machine axis velocity and acceleration limits, and machine positioning methodologies. Machine axes travel limits and machine positioning methodologies are incorporated in order to ensure that the developed positioning paths do not violate machine axes travel limitations. Multi-axis positioning paths are developed to avoid collisions with dynamically changing in-process stock and other surroundings, including fixtures and both moving and non-moving components of the machine. Positioning tool path customizations give the user the flexibility to apply safety based constraints to the automatically generated tool paths. The disclosed automatic positioning path planning and optimization methods are used to develop a process for part manufacturing using CNC machining in order to reduce the manufacturing cycle time.