Robotic Tool Sharpening With 3D Scanning Path Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sharpening machines often limit scanning to a two-dimensional profile of cutting tools, failing to account for their three-dimensional shape, and may require physical contact for profiling, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in sharpening.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system capable of 3D profiling and grinding, utilizing a robot with multiple axes of motion, a gripping mechanism, force-torque sensor, 3D scanning, and counter-rotating grinding wheels to automate the sharpening process, ensuring precise and efficient sharpening of cutting tools of various sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional 2D profiling is used for cutting tools, then the sharpening process is simpler, but the accuracy and precision of sharpening deteriorates due to inability to capture 3D shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D profiling to 3D scanning by introducing a laser line projector and camera system that captures the cutting tool's geometry in three dimensions. The laser projects a line pattern onto the tool surface, and the camera records the deformed pattern to reconstruct the 3D profile, enabling accurate measurement of complex tool geometries that 2D methods cannot capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based profiling methods with optical measurement technology. Instead of using physical probes that touch the tool surface, the system uses laser projection and digital image processing to non-contactly capture the tool's 3D geometry, eliminating mechanical wear and improving measurement accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If physical contact methods are used for profiling cutting tools, then the equipment is simpler, but the sharpening accuracy deteriorates due to contact interference and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based profiling with optical measurement technology. A laser line projector casts a pattern onto the cutting tool surface, and a camera captures the deformed pattern to reconstruct the 3D geometry non-contactly. This eliminates mechanical wear, contact interference, and the complexity of precision mechanical positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light (laser) as an intermediary between the measurement system and the cutting tool. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the laser projects a line pattern onto the tool surface, and the camera captures the light pattern deformation to infer the tool's 3D shape, serving as a non-contact mediator for measurement.
3Productivity
If automated robotic sharpening is implemented, then productivity increases, but the system complexity and initial cost worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal sharpening system that can handle multiple cutting tool types (drills, reamers, taps, end mills) with varying geometries through 3D scanning and adaptive path generation. The robotic arm with integrated laser and camera can automatically adapt to different tool profiles, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sharpening machines for each tool type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic tool recognition and self-adjustment capabilities. The 3D scanner automatically captures the tool's actual geometry, the control system generates appropriate sharpening paths based on the scanned data, and the robotic arm executes the process without manual programming or adjustment, enabling the system to service itself for different tool types.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves accurate and automated sharpening of cutting tools by capturing their 3D profiles, allowing for precise grinding and hollowing, while minimizing manual intervention and ensuring consistent sharpness through real-time feedback control.
Implementation Method 1
a laser line projector to project a laser line onto the cutting tool
Implementation Method 2
a camera to capture images of the cutting tool based on the projected laser line
Implementation Method 3
counter-rotating grinding wheels to automate the sharpening process
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to robotic control for tool sharpening. The device may determine a first location associated with a first cutting tool of the one or more cutting tools relative to the first container. The device may grip the first cutting tool based on the first location of the first cutting tool relative to the first container. The device may move the robotic device to one more scanning sensors. The device may collect three dimensional data. The device may extract a profile of the first cutting tool. The device may determine a top edge and a bottom edge based on the profile. The device may determine a tip of the first cutting tool. The device may generate a sharpening path based on the tip and the profile of the first cutting tool.