Curve-Interpolated Tool Paths for Smoother Adjacent Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool path generation methods fail to consider information of adjacent tool paths, leading to steps and degradation of machined surface quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that generate a tool path by setting a scanning policy, arranging dividing lines on a tool movement curved surface, calculating intersections, and generating a curve-fit tool path through these intersections to minimize steps between adjacent paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a tool path is generated by fitting a high-order mathematical curve to straight lines, arcs, or low-order curves, then data capacity is reduced and handling is facilitated, but steps occur between adjacent tool paths and machined surface quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining dividing lines on the tool movement curved surface before generating the tool path. These dividing lines serve as reference boundaries that ensure adjacent tool paths connect smoothly, preventing steps between paths while maintaining manageable data capacity through controlled fitting segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tool movement curved surface by arranging dividing lines across it, creating multiple regions. The tool path is then generated by calculating intersections with these dividing lines and curve-fitting through intersection points within each segment. This segmentation allows local optimization of path smoothness at boundaries while maintaining overall data efficiency.
2Productivity
If a tool path is generated without considering adjacent tool path information, then the generation process is simpler and faster, but steps occur between adjacent tool paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-arranging dividing lines on the tool movement curved surface before tool path generation. This pre-established framework allows each tool path to be generated independently using the same reference lines, ensuring smooth connections between adjacent paths without requiring complex iterative coordination, thus maintaining generation speed while improving smoothness.
3Manufacturing precision
If dividing lines are arranged on the tool movement curved surface and intersections are calculated, then envelope inflation is reduced and smooth machined surface is achieved, but the calculation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex calculation process by dividing the tool movement curved surface into regions using pre-defined dividing lines. Instead of calculating the entire tool path as one complex optimization problem, the method calculates intersections with dividing lines and performs curve fitting within each segment, significantly reducing computational complexity while maintaining surface smoothness.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a tool path generation method for generating a tool path (Tp), along which a workpiece is machined as a tool (T) moves over a tool movement curved surface (So) generated along a work surface of the workpiece. In this method: a scanning policy is set, which is a rule for establishing a path along which the tool is to move over the tool movement curved surface (So); a dividing line (Cd) is disposed on the tool movement curved surface (So); and the location of an intersection of the dividing line and a trajectory of the tool moving over the tool movement curved surface is calculated on the basis of the scanning policy. A tool path is generated, the path being represented by a movement command for curve interpolation using a curve that passes through the location of the intersection.