NC Lathe Simulation with Dynamic Program Origin Setting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machining simulation technologies struggle to accurately set the position of a program origin on a machining simulation coordinate system, particularly when dealing with diverse shapes of jaws and workpieces, which can lead to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in machining simulations and actual machining processes.

Innovation Solution

A machining simulation apparatus and method that sets the position of a program origin based on a machine model origin, a jaw model, and a workpiece model, using a processor to execute a machining program and transmit data indicating the position of the program origin to a numerically controlled lathe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the program origin is set based on a fixed imaginary three-dimensional space origin (X=0, Y=0, Z=0), then the machining simulation can be performed, but the accuracy of the program origin position is insufficient when dealing with diverse shapes of jaws and workpieces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram origin position accuracyVSAvoidcoordinate system setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by setting the program origin position dynamically based on the specific characteristics of each workpiece and jaw configuration. Instead of using a fixed origin for all cases, the system calculates and sets the program origin at the most appropriate position for each local situation, thereby improving measurement precision while adapting to diverse shapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the program origin position variable rather than fixed. The coordinate system origin is dynamically determined based on the workpiece geometry and jaw arrangement, allowing the system to adapt to different machining scenarios and maintain high accuracy across diverse configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If traditional machining simulation methods are used without accurate program origin setting, then the simulation can be executed, but interference checks and preparation work are required, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating rate of numerically controlled latheVSAvoidtime for interference checks and preparation work
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing accurate program origin positioning and interference checking through machining simulation before actual machining operations. This preliminary verification ensures that the tool path is correct and no interference will occur during real machining, eliminating the need for time-consuming interference checks and preparation work on the actual lathe, thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a virtual model (copy) of the machining process through machining simulation. This digital copy allows for virtual testing and verification of the machining program, including interference checks and origin positioning, before executing the actual machining operation, thus preventing errors and reducing preparation time on the real machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If the program origin position is not accurately determined, then the machining process can proceed with standard procedures, but additional preparation work and interference checks are needed, increasing operator workload and energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator workloadVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing automated program origin positioning and interference detection through machining simulation. The system automatically calculates the optimal origin position and verifies the machining program for interference, eliminating the need for operators to perform manual preparation work and interference checks, thereby reducing both workload and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250103023A1Machining simulation apparatus, numerically controlled lathe, machine tool system, and method for machining workpiece
Publication Date: 2025.03.27 YAMAZAKI MAZAK KK
  • US20250103023A1 patent drawing
  • US20250103023A1 patent drawing
  • US20250103023A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A machining simulation apparatus includes a processor and a communication circuit. The processor is configured to set a position of a program origin, that is an origin on a machining simulation coordinate system of a numerically controlled lathe, based on a machine model origin on the machining simulation coordinate system, a jaw model that is a shape model of a plurality of jaws mounted on a chuck of the numerically controlled lathe, and a workpiece model that is a shape model of a workpiece to be gripped by the plurality of jaws. The machine model origin corresponds to a machine origin of the numerically controlled lathe. The processor is configured to execute the machining program using the program origin as a reference position to virtually machine the workpiece model. The communication circuit is configured to transmit data indicating the position of the program origin to the numerically controlled lathe.