Machine Tool Hood Collision Detection Using Orthogonal Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual positioning of the suction or blowing hood in gantry-type machine tools is inefficient, leading to suboptimal blowing or suctioning actions and potential collisions between the machining tool and the hood or work piece, especially in 5-axis machining units, which delays the machining process.
Innovation Solution
A collision detection method for a machine tool control unit that determines topological characteristics of the machining tool and hood, generates orthogonal projections to detect potential collisions, and adjusts the hood's height to avoid collisions, ensuring optimal positioning and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning of the hood is used based on operator experience, then the positioning process is simple, but the blowing or suctioning action becomes suboptimal and collisions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated computer-based system that calculates optimal hood positions and detects potential collisions. The control unit computes the position of the hood relative to the work piece and machining tool, eliminating reliance on operator experience and manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning of the hood by automatically calculating its optimal position based on the work piece geometry and machining tool path. The control unit independently determines hood positioning without requiring external manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself.
2Device complexity
If manual positioning of the hood is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity is reduced due to operator delays
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit calculates the optimal position of the hood in advance before the machining operation begins. By performing preliminary positioning calculations based on the work piece data and tool path, the system eliminates delays during the actual machining process, improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual positioning operations with automated computer-based calculations, eliminating operator involvement and associated delays. This substitution of mechanical/manual systems with computational systems streamlines the process and enhances productivity.
3Ease of operation
If manual positioning of the hood is used, then the system is easy to operate, but manufacturing precision is compromised due to suboptimal hood position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning with automated computational methods that precisely calculate the optimal hood position. The control unit computes positions based on geometric relationships between the work piece, tool, and hood, ensuring manufacturing precision without requiring operator skill.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the relative position of the hood with respect to the work piece and machining tool, and adjusts the hood position based on calculated feedback. This closed-loop approach ensures optimal positioning for effective blowing or suctioning actions throughout the machining process.
Data Source
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AI summary
Collision detection method for a machine tool control unit comprising the steps (a) determining at least one topological characteristic of a machining tool (b) selecting at least one reference point on a longitudinal development axis of the machining tool and in correspondence with the topological characteristic (c) generating a first orthogonal projection of the machining tool on a projection plane e (d) detecting a potential collision between the machining tool and the hood of the machine, based on a comparison between the first orthogonal projection and a second orthogonal projection of the hood on the projection plane.