Surface Machining Path Planning for Free-Form Contact Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated surface processing methods struggle with machining free-form geometries and concave surfaces due to simplifications that assume a constant contact point, leading to unwanted overlaps or unprocessed gaps.
Innovation Solution
The method involves analyzing the workpiece surface to create a grid with distinct contact points (center and edge contacts) for each segment, planning processing paths based on these contacts, and guiding the surface processing tool along these paths to ensure uniform contact and efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a constant contact point (tool center point) is assumed for simplified automated surface processing, then the processing planning becomes simpler, but the machining of free-form geometries and concave surfaces becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece surface is divided into multiple segments, and for each segment, a specific contact point (center or edge) is selected based on the local geometry. This segmentation allows the method to handle complex free-form geometries by breaking them down into manageable sections, each optimized for a particular contact point configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The contact point between the surface finishing tool and the workpiece is made dynamic rather than constant. The system automatically selects between center contact and edge contact depending on the local surface geometry, allowing adaptation to varying curvatures and concave surfaces while maintaining automated processing
2Productivity
If parallel machining paths are used for automated surface finishing, then the processing coverage is improved, but unwanted overlaps or unmachined gaps occur on the material surface
Solution Approach 1:
Different contact points (center or edge) are selected for different regions (segments) of the workpiece surface based on local geometry requirements. This local optimization ensures that each area is machined with the most appropriate contact point, preventing overlaps and gaps while maintaining uniform surface quality
Solution Approach 2:
The contact point parameter is changed dynamically based on the local surface geometry. By switching between center contact and edge contact modes, the system adapts to varying curvatures and ensures complete, uniform coverage without overlaps or gaps across the entire workpiece surface
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for the automated surface treatment of workpieces (1) with a surface treatment tool (3) comprising the following steps: a) Analyzing at least one surface (5) of a workpiece (1) to be treated; b) Creating a surface grid of at least the surface (5) to be treated, wherein the surface grid has grid points; c) Determining one contact point of the surface treatment tool (3) for each selected grid point or each grid point, wherein the contact points of the surface treatment tool (3) include at least the center contact and edge contact of the surface treatment tool (3); d) Dividing the surface (5) to be treated into segments (7) that include adjacent grid points with the same contact point of the surface treatment tool (3); e) Planning treatment paths (9) of the surface treatment tool (3) in a segment (7).and f) machining the surface of the segment (7) by guiding the surface machining tool (3) along the machining paths (9), wherein contact of the surface machining tool (3) with the surface to be machined (5) occurs at the contact point of the surface machining tool (3) associated with the segment.