CNC Shape Input via Interactive Program and Parameterized Templates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inputting shapes in computer numerical control machine tools using interactive programs are inconvenient and inefficient, particularly for repetitive tasks, as they require sequential input of straight lines and circular arcs, and do not facilitate easy reuse of processed shape information, limiting user convenience and productivity.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that allow users to register and parameterize frequently used shape information, enabling efficient input of processing shapes by selecting and modifying registered shapes, with a user interface for editing and parameterizing shapes, and a programmable machine controller for driving the machine tool based on the inputted shape information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users sequentially input straight line and circular arc elements to define shapes, then the interactive program can process basic geometric operations, but the input process becomes difficult and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows users to copy existing shape data from CAD files or previously processed shapes and reuse them as templates. Instead of manually defining each shape from scratch using sequential line and arc inputs, users can copy proven shape definitions and modify them as needed, dramatically reducing input effort and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines common shape patterns and geometric elements that can be directly applied to processing tasks. By preparing shape templates in advance (either from CAD imports or library shapes), users eliminate the need to perform repetitive shape definition operations during actual processing work
2Productivity
If users input shapes manually for each processing task, then the interactive program can handle individual processing requirements, but the user needs to input shapes repeatedly without easy reuse of past work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shape library system where processed shapes are stored and can be copied for future use. Users can retrieve previously defined shapes from the library or import from CAD files, copy them to current projects, and modify parameters as needed, eliminating repetitive manual input and significantly improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates universal shape templates that can serve multiple processing purposes. A single shape definition can be copied and applied across different processing tasks, workpieces, and programs, making the shape input system universally applicable and eliminating the need for redundant shape definitions
3Ease of operation
If the system provides CAD file import function, then users can input shapes using existing CAD data, but the function changes CAD files into internal data reducing reutilization of existing processed shape information
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of converting CAD files into proprietary internal data formats that cannot be easily reused, the system copies the original CAD file data and stores it in a accessible library format. This allows users to retrieve and reuse the same CAD-based shapes across multiple projects while maintaining the ability to edit and modify them, preserving both convenience and reusability
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for inputting a processing shape using an interactive program in a computer numerical control machine tool, including: an input unit having a key for inputting a parameter of an inputted shape; a display unit which registers a shape processed by a user as a user registration shape and provides a user interface environment capable of editing the registered user registration shape; a memory unit which stores a plurality of user registration shapes; an interactive program control unit which displays the plurality of user registration shapes stored in the memory unit through the display unit when the user requests the user registration shape, and outputs shape information after the user selects a representative shape from the plurality of user registration shapes and inputs a parameter of the representative shape; and a programmable machine controller (PMC) unit which drives the machine tool on the basis of the shape information outputted from the interactive program control unit.