Machine Tool Trajectory Planning for Collision-Free Idle Moves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining tool trajectories during non-productive movements in machine tools are inefficient, requiring excessive time and computational resources, and lack adequate collision safety.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a pathfinding algorithm to optimize tool trajectories based on geometric constraints and target parameters, followed by a filter to ensure collision-free movements, reducing computational complexity and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If precise calculations of the tool path are performed to ensure collision safety during non-productive movements, then collision safety is improved, but computing power requirements and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision safetyVSAvoidtime consumption for trajectory calculation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing geometric models of machine tool components, workpieces, and clamping devices before the actual machining process. These pre-computed geometric representations are then reused during non-productive movements to quickly determine collision-free trajectories without performing complex real-time calculations, thus ensuring collision safety while minimizing computation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating simplified geometric models (copies) of the actual machine tool components and workpieces. Instead of performing precise calculations on the complex real-world geometry during non-productive movements, the system uses these pre-created geometric copies to rapidly evaluate potential collision paths and determine safe trajectories, significantly reducing computational requirements while maintaining collision safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If complex trajectory optimization algorithms are used to minimize non-productive time, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-productive time minimizationVSAvoidhardware requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the trajectory optimization process into distinct phases: identifying non-productive movements, evaluating geometric constraints using pre-stored models, and generating optimized paths. This segmentation allows the system to focus computational resources only where necessary, avoiding the need for complex continuous optimization algorithms throughout the entire machining cycle, thereby improving productivity without requiring excessive hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by creating a geometric model database that serves multiple functions: collision detection, trajectory optimization, and machine tool configuration validation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate complex algorithms for each function, reducing hardware requirements while maintaining high productivity through efficient reuse of the same geometric representations across different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If detailed geometric conditions are enforced to ensure collision-free movements, then collision safety is improved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision-free movement guaranteeVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing and storing detailed geometric information about machine tool components, workpieces, and clamping devices in a standardized format before machining operations begin. During non-productive movements, the system queries these pre-organized geometric databases rather than performing complex geometric calculations in real-time, ensuring collision-free movements while keeping computational complexity low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating simplified yet accurate geometric representations (copies) of complex machine tool components and workpieces. These geometric copies retain the essential collision-relevant features while reducing computational complexity, allowing the system to enforce detailed geometric conditions for collision safety without requiring excessive computational resources during trajectory determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3292445B1Trajectory determination method for non-productive movements
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3292445B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3292445B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3292445B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for determining an optimised trajectory for a non-productive movement of a tool (10) of a machine tool, from a starting position (12) to an end position (14). The non-productive movement is carried out in a spatially restricted travelling area (20) which is represented by geometric conditions. The method according to the invention is executed with the avoidance of collisions and comprises the step of determining a first trajectory (32) of the tool (10) by means of a travel-finding algorithm. In this step, the first trajectory (32) is optimised for the non-productive movement with respect to at least one selectable target parameter.