Cutting Distance Calculation for Multi-Axis Tool Tip Trajectories
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-axis working machines, calculating the cutting distance of a tool tip point is challenging due to the instruction of control point paths rather than tool tip point paths in machining programs, especially when the paths are curved, and existing techniques fail to accurately determine the cutting distance.
Innovation Solution
A cutting distance calculating device that acquires axis positions from a numerical controller or simulator, calculates the tool tip point position, and accumulates moving distances to determine the cutting distance, enabling real-time calculation of the relative cutting distance between the work and tool tip point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control point path is instructed in machining program for multi-axis working machine, then machining flexibility is improved, but cutting distance calculation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation process that converts control point path instructions into tool tip point path calculations. The tool tip point position calculating section acts as a mediator that receives control point positions from the machining program and computes the corresponding tool tip positions by considering tool length compensation and multi-axis transformations, thereby enabling accurate cutting distance calculation while maintaining machining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of directly reading cutting distance from control point path with a computational system. The cutting distance calculating device uses numerical calculation to determine tool tip point positions and accumulate moving distances, substituting the mechanical interpretation of control point paths with precise mathematical computation of actual tool tip trajectories
2Adaptability or versatility
If curve instruction (arc, spline curve) is issued in machining program, then machining capability is improved, but cutting distance of accurate instructed path cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the curve instruction into multiple small linear segments through interpolation. The tool tip point position calculating section calculates positions at discrete intervals along the curved path, effectively breaking down complex curves into manageable segments that can be accurately measured and accumulated to determine total cutting distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically calculates tool tip point positions based on the actual multi-axis movements during curve machining. Rather than using static control point distances, the system continuously computes the evolving tool tip position as axes move, capturing the dynamic trajectory and accurately determining the actual cutting path length
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting distance calculating device for a multi-axis working machine acquires axis positions at calculation times for at least three linear axes and two rotation axes of a multi-axis working machine and calculates the position of a tool tip point on the basis of the acquired axis positions. This device accumulates moving distances (cutting distances) of the tool tip points from the calculated position of the tool tip point to thereby calculate a cutting distance and predicts tool wear and tool life on the basis of the calculated cutting distance.