Tool Holder Geometry Modeling for Fast Interference Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face challenges in generating geometric models of tool holders for rotary tools, especially when supplied by third-party manufacturers, leading to increased operator burden and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows operators to generate geometric models of tool holders by inputting specific parameters such as flange diameter, shank diameter, and main body length, using a processor to automatically determine corresponding dimensions and generate models, and simulate assembly and interference with obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the machine tool manufacturer provides pre-made geometric models of tool holders, then the operator's burden to create models is reduced, but it becomes impossible to support all tool holders from various third-party manufacturers
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates geometric models by copying and combining standard components (flange, holder main body) based on input parameters, rather than requiring complete pre-made models for each tool holder variant
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows operators to input specific parameters (flange outer diameter, flange thickness, holder main body length, shank diameter) to dynamically generate geometric models that adapt to different tool holder specifications from various manufacturers
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators manually create geometric models of tool holders, then support for any tool holder is possible, but it requires significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder is segmented into standard geometric components (flange, holder main body) that can be independently parameterized and combined, simplifying the model creation process
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manually modeling complex geometries, the system uses simple parameter inputs (diameters, lengths) to automatically generate the complete geometric model, dramatically reducing creation time
3Reliability
If complete geometric models of all tool holder components are created in advance, then interference checking is accurate, but the system complexity and data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains reliability by using accurate parametric definitions of standard components (flange, holder main body) that can be combined to represent any tool holder, avoiding the need to store complex complete models
Data Source
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AI summary
A model generation method includes causing a processor to obtain from a storage, first data specifying a flange diameter that is a diameter of a flange of a tool holder in a radial direction with respect to a central axis, the tool holder including the flange formed around the central axis, and a holder main body which extends from the flange in an axial direction along the central axis and to which a rotary tool is attachable, and a flange length that is a length of the flange in the axial direction. The model generation method includes causing the processor to receive inputs of a shank diameter of the rotary tool and a main body length from an operator via an input interface, the main body length being a length of the holder main body in the axial direction. The model generation method includes causing the processor to obtain from the storage that stores correspondence between the shank diameter and a main body diameter that is a diameter of the holder main body in the radial direction, second data specifying the main body diameter corresponding to the shank diameter that has been received. The model generation method includes causing the processor to generate a geometric model of the tool holder based on the first data, the second data, and the main body length that has been received.