Cutting Tool Selection Using Geometry Rules and Tap Test Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for selecting cutting tools in manufacturing are manual and dependent on engineer/machinist experience, leading to variability and inefficiency, especially in adapting to new geometries and available tools, which hinders automation and consistency.

Innovation Solution

A system that generates tap test data for machines, extracts geometric features of parts, and filters tools using rules to select optimal cutting tools and set parameters, utilizing a database populated with tool parameters and attributes, ensuring standardized and automated tool and parameter selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual selection of cutting tools is used based on engineer experience, then flexibility in handling various geometries is improved, but consistency and automation are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various geometriesVSAvoidautomation of tool selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically selecting cutting tools and parameters based on geometric features extracted from CAD models, eliminating the need for manual engineer intervention while maintaining adaptability through rule-based algorithms that evaluate part geometry and machine capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters by dynamically adjusting cutting tool selection and machining parameters based on extracted geometric features, allowing the automated system to adapt to various geometries by modifying tool paths, speeds, and feeds according to the specific part characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual selection of cutting parameters is used based on engineering knowledge, then adaptability to different conditions is improved, but productivity and consistency are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different machining conditionsVSAvoidproductivity of tool selection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing rule-based algorithms and databases containing cutting parameters and tool specifications, enabling rapid automated selection without manual intervention during the actual machining preparation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical system of manual knowledge application with an automated computational system that uses geometric feature extraction, rule-based filtering, and database queries to select tools and parameters, significantly increasing productivity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If fixed libraries and templates are used for machining operations, then automation is improved, but adaptability to new geometries and tools is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of machining operationsVSAvoidadaptability to new geometries and tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamics by making the tool selection process adaptive and flexible through rule-based algorithms that evaluate extracted geometric features in real-time, allowing the automated system to dynamically adjust tool selection based on new geometries and available tools rather than relying on static templates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves universality by creating a multi-functional rule-based selection system that can handle various geometric features, tool types, and machining operations through a single automated framework, replacing the need for multiple fixed templates while maintaining automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If manual tool selection is used for each manufacturing sequence, then customization for specific parts is improved, but loss of time and efficiency are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of tool selectionVSAvoidtime for tool selection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing comprehensive rule-based algorithms and databases containing tool specifications and cutting parameters, enabling rapid automated selection that maintains precision while eliminating time-consuming manual evaluation processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the time-consuming manual selection process with an automated computational system that rapidly evaluates geometric features and queries databases to select appropriate tools and parameters, maintaining precision through systematic rule application while dramatically reducing selection time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240424626A1Automated Selection of Cutting Tools

Publication Date: 2024.12.26 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method of tool and parameter selection is presented. Tap test data is generated for a machine by performing tap testing on the machine with a plurality of tools. Geometric features of a part to be machined in a workpiece by the machine are extracted. The plurality of tools is filtered by applying a series of rules based on the geometric features of the part to identify a selected tool for a machining operation to form the part. In some illustrative examples, cutting parameters are set for the machining operation using the tap test data for the machine with the selected tool.