Tool Digital Twin Measurement for Accurate Collision Checking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current presetting devices for tools lack efficiency in simplifying and improving collision checks using digital images of tools, leading to potential inaccuracies and interface issues when integrating data for collision simulation and machining processes.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for creating a digital image of a tool by scanning and measuring key cutting points, allowing for the differentiation between a general digital twin and a collision-relevant digital twin, which includes additional information for collision simulation, using prior knowledge and self-learning algorithms to optimize measurements, and integrating data for accurate collision consideration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a complete tool is scanned to create a digital image for collision protection, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates because very high accuracy is not necessary for digital twins used for collision protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of collision checkVSAvoidaccuracy of tool measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the digital twin creation process into two distinct modes: a complete scan for general digital twins (collision protection) and a selective measurement of only cutting-relevant points for machining-relevant digital twins. This segmentation allows the system to apply appropriate measurement precision levels to each purpose, improving productivity by avoiding unnecessary high-precision measurements for collision protection while maintaining measurement precision when needed for machining operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by measuring only the necessary cutting points (first and second cutting points) rather than scanning the entire tool. This partial measurement approach is sufficient for creating machining-relevant digital twins, improving productivity by reducing measurement time and resources while maintaining adequate precision for collision detection and machining operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Ease of operation

If automatic image evaluation is used to determine cutting points, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to uncertainties in automatic evaluation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of cutting point determinationVSAvoidaccuracy of cutting point determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the measuring device allows for verification and correction of automatically determined cutting points. The system provides feedback loops that enable operators to review automatic evaluation results and make adjustments, thereby maintaining ease of operation through automation while improving reliability by eliminating uncertainties through human verification and correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If data from presetting device is integrated for collision simulation, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to interface issues and data integration challenges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of digital twin for collision protectionVSAvoidcomplexity of data integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal digital twin data structure that serves multiple functions: collision protection, collision simulation, and machining-relevant operations. By designing the digital twin to be multi-functional from the outset, the system improves adaptability across different applications while reducing device complexity by avoiding the need for separate data integration systems for each function. The unified approach eliminates interface issues that would arise from multiple specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4336142A1Device for measuring a tool or a complete tool and method for producing a digital image of a tool or complete tool
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 FRANZ HAIMER MASCHINENBAU KG
  • EP4336142A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4336142A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4336142A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for measuring a tool, in particular a cutting tool, or a complete tool consisting of a tool holder and a tool clamped in the tool holder, in particular a cutting tool, and to a method for creating a digital image of a tool, in particular a cutting tool, or a complete tool consisting of a tool holder and a tool clamped in the tool holder, in particular a cutting tool, especially using such a device. In the method, the tool or the complete tool is scanned to create the digital image. Furthermore, at least a first cutting point, in particular the first cutting point, for example a cutting start point, and a second cutting point, for example a cutting end point, are measured on the tool or the complete tool.In the digital image, an intersection area is then determined using the first and second intersection points ("collision-relevant digital twin").