CNC Program Conversion via Kinematic Coordinate Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CNC machining programs are not easily convertible between multi-axis coordinated machines with different configurations, requiring time-consuming and costly rewriting or use of expensive CAD/CAM software to adapt to varying mechanism data.
Innovation Solution
A program-converting module and method that utilize kinematical methods, including forward and inverse conversions, to transform machining programs from joint coordinates to Cartesian coordinates and back, allowing CNC programs to be adapted for machines with different configurations without requiring CAD/CAM software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If machining programs are rewritten to comply with different mechanism data of CNC machine tools, then the machining programs can be applied to different machine tools, but it takes time and labor to rewrite the programs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the coordinate system parameters from joint coordinates to Cartesian coordinates, allowing the same machining program to be executed on different machine tools with varying configurations. The conversion unit transforms the program parameters based on the target machine's mechanism data, enabling universal applicability without manual rewriting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conversion unit as an intermediary between the machining program and the target machine tool. This conversion unit automatically transforms the program from joint coordinates to Cartesian coordinates using the target machine's mechanism data, eliminating the need for manual program rewriting and reducing time loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If CAD/CAM software is used to generate new machining programs that comply with the mechanism data of CNC machine tools, then machining programs can be generated for different machine tools, but it takes a lot of money to use the software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of coordinate conversion from expensive CAD/CAM software and implements it as a standalone conversion unit. This unit only performs the necessary coordinate transformation using the target machine's mechanism data, eliminating the need for costly proprietary software while maintaining program generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex CAD/CAM software with a simple, cost-effective conversion unit that performs only the necessary coordinate transformation. This disposable-like approach uses minimal resources to achieve the same adaptability function, significantly reducing costs.
3Reliability
If a machining program is written for one machine tool, then it can control that specific machine tool, but it cannot be applied to other machine tools with different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adapting the machine tool to the program, the patent inverts the approach by adapting the program to the machine tool. The conversion unit transforms the program from joint coordinates (machine-specific) to Cartesian coordinates (universal), allowing the same program to control different machine tools while maintaining control accuracy through precise coordinate transformation.
Data Source
AI summary
A program-converting module for a multi-axis cooperated machine and a program-converting method. Machining programs and mechanism data of a plurality of first machines are input to a first input module. Mechanism data of a plurality of second machines are input to a second input unit. A setting unit sets at least one of the first machines to be a source machine, and sets one of the second machines to be a target machine. A conversion unit uses a kinematical method to convert the machining program of the source machine into a machining program applicable to the target machine based on the mechanism data of the source and target machines, without requiring CAD/CAM software.