NC Program Editing via CAD Shape Matching for Partial Drawing Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods require recreating the entire machining program when there are partial changes in the CAD drawing, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A machining program editing assist device that analyzes CAD data before and after changes, predicts shape differences, and automatically generates a new program by inserting or deleting machining paths based on these differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire machining program is recreated when there are partial changes in the CAD drawing, then the machining program can be updated to reflect all changes, but the time and effort required for program updates increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the machining program into multiple shapes or features that can be independently identified and updated. Instead of recreating the entire program, the system analyzes the CAD drawing changes, identifies only the modified shapes, and updates those specific segments while preserving the rest of the program. This segmentation approach maintains completeness (all changes are captured) while dramatically reducing update time (only modified portions are processed).
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the CAD drawing changes before generating the updated machining program. By pre-identifying which shapes have changed and what modifications are needed, the system prepares the update information in advance. This preliminary action allows the actual program generation to focus only on the necessary changes, reducing overall update time while ensuring no changes are missed.
2Reliability
If all shapes are selected again after a CAD drawing change, then the machining program can be regenerated, but the operational complexity and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting CAD drawing changes and identifying the modified shapes without requiring user intervention. The machining program editing assist device compares the original and modified CAD drawings, autonomously determines which shapes have changed, and generates the updated program. This self-service capability maintains accuracy (all changes are detected) while dramatically improving ease of operation (no manual shape selection needed).
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring CAD drawing changes and using this information to automatically update the machining program. The change detection mechanism provides feedback about what has been modified, and this feedback drives the selective update process. This feedback loop ensures accuracy (changes are captured) while simplifying operation (the system responds automatically to changes without requiring user action).
3Reliability
If the machining program before change is deleted, then the program can be recreated, but the loss of existing program information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the necessary change information from the modified CAD drawing and applies it selectively to the existing machining program. Instead of deleting and recreating the entire program, the system extracts the specific modifications needed and integrates them into the original program structure. This extraction approach maintains program validity (changes are incorporated) while preserving existing program data (unchanged portions are retained).
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis to identify which program segments need updating before making any changes. By pre-determining the scope of modifications needed, the system can apply changes selectively rather than deleting the entire program. This preliminary action preserves valuable existing program information while ensuring the program remains valid and up-to-date with the modified CAD drawing.
Data Source
AI summary
A machining program editing assist device includes a CAD data analysis unit which analyzes CAD data of a workpiece after a change, and acquires CAD shape information about the workpiece after the change, and a machining program analysis unit which analyzes a machining program before the change, and acquires machining shape information about the workpiece before the change. The device also includes an input shape prediction unit which acquires predicted shape information by performing shape matching between the CAD shape information and the machining shape information before the change, and specifying a modified shape, and an NC program auto-generation unit which, based on the predicted shape information, inserts a machining route that is existing only in the CAD data into the machining program, and deletes a machining route that is present only in the machining program from the machining program.