Raw Material Shape Determination for Thin Plate Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for processing thin plate-shaped materials do not provide a clear method for determining the required raw material shape, making it difficult to set and process materials with predetermined shapes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving material information acquisition, flange classification, grip portion setting, and raw material shape calculation to determine the shape of the raw material, including classification of flanges as L, T, counterclockwise-T, or '+' types, and setting the grip portion accordingly to calculate the raw material shape based on acquired information and classification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a raw material shape is not predetermined, then processing flexibility is maintained, but processing accuracy and efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidshape determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the raw material shape in advance before processing begins. The shape determination unit calculates the required raw material shape based on the target component shape and processing method, then provides this predetermined shape information to guide material preparation. This ensures the raw material is properly shaped before processing starts, improving processing accuracy without adding complex real-time control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If a complex shape determination method is used, then processing accuracy improves, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveraw material shape accuracyVSAvoidshape determination time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the shape determination process into distinct functional units: a shape determination unit that calculates the raw material shape, a flange classification unit that categorizes flange types, and a grip portion setting unit that identifies gripping locations. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function efficiently using simple algorithms, reducing overall computation time while maintaining high shape determination accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by automatically determining the raw material shape, classifying flanges, and setting grip portions without requiring manual intervention. The shape determination unit autonomously calculates the required shape based on target component geometry and processing parameters, eliminating time-consuming manual calculations and ensuring consistent accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If flange classification is performed, then grip portion setting accuracy improves, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip portion positioning accuracyVSAvoidflange classification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by classifying flanges into specific types (L-type, T-type, + type) based on their local geometric characteristics. Each flange type has specific gripping requirements, and the grip portion setting unit uses this localized classification information to accurately determine grip positions. This local classification approach improves grip portion positioning accuracy while keeping the classification logic simple and rule-based.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10843275B2Numerical control systems and methods for determining raw material shape and determining a gripping part
Publication Date: 2020.11.24 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD
  • US10843275B2 patent drawing
  • US10843275B2 patent drawing
  • US10843275B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In a method for generating a numerical control program, information related to the shape of a material is acquired, the shape of a flange is categorized on the basis of the acquired information related to the shape of the material, a gripping part for gripping the material during processing of the material is set on the basis of the acquired information related to the shape of the material and flange categorization information, the raw material shape necessary for processing the material is calculated on the basis of the acquired information related to the shape of the material, the flange categorization information, and gripping part setting information.