Energy Beam Machine Control for Dynamic Radiation Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing processes using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software are limited in reconfiguring energy beam emitting apparatuses, such as laser machines, during the manufacturing process, as they cannot adjust the emission and scanning of energy beams dynamically, restricting versatility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that integrate a computing device to generate a program for a machine with both controller instructions for operating axes and apparatus instructions for adjusting energy beam configurations, allowing the machine to operate in various ways without tool switching, by adding apparatus instructions as comments to the program, enabling synchronized operation of the machine's axes and energy beam emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If physical tools are used in manufacturing processes, then the workpiece can be processed with mechanical tools, but the process becomes cumbersome, complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical tools with an energy beam emitting apparatus that can be controlled by computer software. The energy beam (such as laser) substitutes for traditional mechanical tools like saws, drills, and mills, eliminating the need for physical tool handling, loading, and switching operations while maintaining the ability to process workpieces with complex shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of energy beam parameters (power, scanning speed, spot size) through software control during the manufacturing process. This allows the same energy beam apparatus to adapt to different processing requirements without physical tool changes, effectively changing the 'parameters' of the tool rather than physically replacing it.
2Productivity
If energy beam emitting apparatuses are used, then processing speed and accuracy improve, but the ability to reconfigure the apparatus dynamically during manufacturing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfiguration capability to the energy beam emitting apparatus by enabling real-time modification of operating parameters (power, scanning speed, spot size) during the manufacturing process. The apparatus transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where parameters can be adjusted on-the-fly based on processing requirements, allowing the same apparatus to handle diverse manufacturing tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the energy beam emitting apparatus universal by enabling it to perform multiple different processing functions through software-controlled parameter adjustments. The same apparatus can switch between different scanning patterns, power levels, and speeds to handle various material types, geometries, and processing requirements, effectively becoming a multi-functional tool.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different physical tools are selected at different moments, then the manufacturing process can handle complex shapes, but tool switching and movement becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual toolbox in software where different tool configurations and parameters are stored as digital copies. Instead of physically switching tools, the system selects and activates the appropriate parameter set from the virtual toolbox, instantly reconfiguring the energy beam apparatus without physical tool handling time.
4Manufacturing precision
If CAM software is used to control manufacturing processes, then manufacturing becomes faster and more accurate, but the software cannot dynamically adjust energy beam emission configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the CAM software control system with the energy beam emitting apparatus control. The software integration enables unified control of both the motion paths (traditional CAM function) and the energy beam parameters (power, scanning speed, spot size), allowing dynamic adjustment of emission configurations while maintaining manufacturing precision through coordinated software control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for dynamic adjustment of energy beam irradiation patterns, scanning speeds, and power distribution, enhancing the versatility and efficiency of manufacturing processes by treating the energy beam emitting apparatus as a digital toolbox, capable of processing complex shapes with improved precision and speed.
Implementation Method 1
the irradiation of a workpiece with an energy beam may, in some cases, process the workpiece in a way similar to a physical tool used in manufacturing process
Implementation Method 2
energy beam emitting apparatuses, such as laser machines... energy deposition thereon may be adjusted in a controlled manner
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
Methods and systems for operating a machine, the machine comprising moveable axes and an apparatus for emitting an energy beam. A method comprising: providing a computing device or system; providing, the computing device or system, a program for operating the axes of the machine based on a CAD file, the program comprising a plurality of controller instructions for operating the axes; and providing the program to a controller of the machine; the computing device or system adds a plurality of apparatus instructions to the program, each apparatus instruction corresponding to an energy beam radiation configuration of a plurality of energy beam radiation configurations for the apparatus; each time the controller runs a line of the program that has an apparatus instruction, the computing device or system operates the apparatus according to the apparatus instruction; and each apparatus instruction added to the program is a comment for the controller.