Hybrid Dynamic Tree Data Structure for CNC Path Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CNC machining technologies face challenges in efficiently programming complex solid shapes due to limited automatic path planning algorithms and software, requiring extensive time and expertise, and are not optimized for modern parallel hardware processing.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid dynamic tree data structure and accessibility mapping algorithm are used to model complex solid shapes and determine cutting tool paths, minimizing memory usage and enabling efficient parallel processing on GPUs, preventing unwanted material removal and optimizing cutting paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional serial processing algorithms are used for CNC path planning, then the algorithms can be implemented on conventional hardware, but the processing speed and efficiency are limited and cannot utilize modern parallel hardware capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex path planning problem into discrete volumetric elements (voxels) that can be independently processed. The workpiece volume is divided into a grid of voxels, each representing a small spatial unit, allowing parallel processing of multiple voxels simultaneously on GPU architectures, thereby resolving the contradiction between processing speed and algorithm complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional serial CPU-based mechanical computation with parallel GPU-based computational architecture. By leveraging the massive parallel processing capability of GPUs, the system achieves significant speedup in path planning calculations without requiring overly complex algorithms, thus resolving the productivity-device complexity contradiction.
2Manufacturing precision
If detailed geometric modeling is used to accurately represent complex solid shapes, then the modeling precision is improved, but the memory usage and computational resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous geometric model into discrete volumetric pixels (voxels). This discretization allows the system to represent complex solid shapes with sufficient precision for manufacturing while using a manageable amount of memory, as each voxel requires only minimal storage space compared to traditional continuous geometric representations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the representation parameters from continuous geometric coordinates to discrete volumetric grid cells. By adjusting the voxel resolution parameters, the system can balance between modeling precision and memory consumption, achieving adequate manufacturing precision without excessive memory usage through parameter optimization.
3Ease of operation
If automated path planning algorithms are developed to reduce programming time, then the ease of operation is improved, but the algorithms are limited to specific problem solutions due to geometric and computational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal path planning algorithm based on volumetric representation that can handle diverse machining scenarios including milling, drilling, and contouring operations. The voxel-based approach and accessibility map methodology provide a unified framework that adapts to different geometric complexities and machining requirements, enhancing both ease of operation and algorithm versatility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces accessibility maps as an intermediary data structure that mediates between the geometric model and the path planning algorithm. These maps pre-compute and store accessibility information for each voxel, enabling the algorithm to quickly determine valid tool orientations and paths without complex real-time geometric calculations, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining broad adaptability.
4Manufacturing precision
If accessibility mapping is used to determine valid tool orientations, then the manufacturing precision is improved by preventing unwanted material removal, but the computational time and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing accessibility maps before actual path planning. The accessibility information for each voxel is calculated and stored in advance, allowing the path planning algorithm to quickly query pre-computed data during execution. This eliminates the need for complex real-time geometric calculations, significantly reducing computational time while maintaining high manufacturing precision in preventing unwanted material removal.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of modeling a solid shape in a volume of space may include segmenting the volume into a plurality of equal portions of a given first size, determining, with respect to each portion, a first fill status based on whether each respective portion includes material of the shape, segmenting selected portions of the volume, based on the first fill status, into equal portions of a given second size that is smaller than the first size, determining, with respect to each selected portion, a second fill status, segmenting second selected portions of the volume, based on the second fill status, into equal portions of a given third size that is smaller than the second size, determining, with respect to each second selected portion, a third fill status, and generating a hybrid dynamic tree data structure based on the based on the first, second and third fill statuses.