Multi-Edge Turning Tool Orientation for Interference-Free Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing numerical controllers face difficulties in accurately positioning the edge indexing axis of a multi-edge tool to align with the cutting surface of a workpiece while avoiding interference, especially in complex machining geometries, requiring manual intervention through Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) to create positioning commands.
Innovation Solution
A numerical controller system that generates and stores tool geometry information, determines edge directions based on machining geometry changes, and controls the multi-edge tool to avoid interference by automatically adjusting edge directions between machining geometry change points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual intervention through CAM is used to create positioning commands for complex machining geometries, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and programming time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The numerical controller automatically determines the edge direction by calculating the normal vector of the cutting surface from the machining program data, eliminating the need for manual CAM intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously computing positioning commands based on geometric information already contained in the machining program.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual programming operations with automated computational geometry processing. The controller uses mathematical calculations (normal vector computation) to determine edge directions, substituting manual CAM operations with automatic algorithmic processing.
2Measurement precision
If manual CAM programming is used for positioning commands, then positioning accuracy for complex geometries is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The numerical controller automatically determines edge directions by computing normal vectors from machining program data without requiring external CAM intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the time-consuming manual programming step while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The machining program already contains the geometric information needed for positioning. The controller performs preliminary computation of edge directions during program preparation, so that when machining begins, positioning commands are already determined and ready for execution.
3Productivity
If automatic edge direction determination is implemented, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision may worsen without proper algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning operations with automated computational geometry processing. By using mathematical algorithms to calculate normal vectors and determine edge directions, the system achieves both automation and precision through systematic computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the machining program data itself as feedback to determine edge directions. By calculating normal vectors from the commanded tool path and workpiece geometry, the controller continuously determines accurate positioning commands based on the actual machining requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A numerical control device comprises: a tool shape information storage/generation unit that generates and stores, as tool shape information, geometrical information relating to the shape of a multi-edge tool for turning; a machining shape information generation unit that generates machining shape information from relative movement direction information pertaining to the workpiece and the multi-edge tool and from positional relation information pertaining to the workpiece and the multi-edge tool; an edge direction determination unit that determines, from the generated tool shape information and the generated machining shape information, the edge direction of the multi-edge tool for each machining shape change point at which the machining shape changes; and a machining control unit that, on the basis of the edge direction of the multi-edge tool for each machining shape change point, controls the turning while changing the edge direction of the multi-edge tool between machining shape change points.