Multi-Tooltip Toolpath Control for CAD/CAM Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing systems using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software struggle to efficiently integrate and control multi-tooltip processes, particularly in hybrid additive and subtractive manufacturing systems, where multiple toolpaths and tooltips perform parallel or asynchronous operations, leading to incompatibility with existing CAD/CAM simulation environments.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a multi-tooltip system that generates a main toolpath and metadata based on process control constraints, allowing for the simultaneous operation of multiple tooltips within a single CAD/CAM simulation environment, enabling the generation of manufacturing machine instructions for complex manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple toolpaths are used for multi-tooltip processes, then manufacturing functionality is enhanced, but compatibility with existing CAD/CAM simulation environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-tooltip control problem by designating one tooltip as a 'master' tooltip and others as 'slave' tooltips. Each slave tooltip's toolpath is defined relative to the master tooltip's toolpath, allowing independent control of multiple tooltips while maintaining a hierarchical structure that simplifies system integration with existing CAD/CAM environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-tooltip control system that acts as an intermediary layer between the CAD/CAM software and the manufacturing system. This control system translates multiple independent toolpaths into a coordinated sequence of operations, enabling compatibility with existing simulation environments while supporting complex multi-tooltip processes.
2Productivity
If multiple tooltips operate simultaneously, then manufacturing speed increases, but control and coordination difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic coordination of multiple tooltips by allowing slave tooltips to follow the master tooltip's motion trajectory in real-time. The system dynamically adjusts the position and orientation of slave tooltips based on the master tooltip's current state, enabling simultaneous operation while maintaining precise coordination through continuous feedback and adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for integrating control and operation of multi-tooltip processes with computer-aided manufacturing and/or design software and systems include method(s) including: obtaining toolpaths for manufacturing a physical structure and process control constraints, each of the toolpaths corresponding to a respective tooltip of a computer-controlled tool of a manufacturing system, each of the toolpaths designates a respective path for the respective tooltip within a workspace, and the process control constraints define capabilities of each of the respective tooltips within the workspace; defining a main toolpath and metadata defining operational parameters for the toolpaths based on the process control constraints; simulating manufacturing of the physical structure using the main toolpath and the metadata; and providing at least the main toolpath and the metadata for use in manufacturing the physical structure by the computer-controlled manufacturing system from the main toolpath and the metadata.