Machine Tool Path Display with Relative Tool Vector Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool path display apparatuses fail to effectively identify the cause of errors in machined shapes by not providing sufficient visual information for comparing tool vectors across different paths in machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A tool path display apparatus that compares program paths, command paths, and actual paths by displaying tool vectors connecting the tool tip point to a reference point, allowing operators to visualize and quantify differences in tool postures across these paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If only the actual path is displayed without tool vectors, then the display is simple, but the operator cannot identify the cause of errors in machined shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple functional layers: path display region showing the actual path, and tool vector display region showing tool vectors for program path, command path, and actual path. This segmentation allows comprehensive error diagnosis information to be presented in an organized, non-overwhelming manner, resolving the contradiction between providing complete diagnostic information and maintaining display simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the display by introducing tool vectors that represent tool posture in addition to the traditional path display. This dimensional expansion from showing only position (path) to showing both position and orientation (path + tool vectors) enables operators to diagnose errors related to tool posture that would be invisible in a one-dimensional path display alone.
2Measurement precision
If tool vectors for multiple paths are displayed without angle calculation, then visual comparison is possible, but quantitative analysis of tool posture differences is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an angle calculation function that computes the angle between tool vectors of different paths as an intermediary metric. This angle serves as a quantitative mediator that translates complex vector comparisons into a simple, intuitive numerical value, enabling precise measurement of tool posture differences without requiring operators to perform complex manual vector analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the tool posture comparison problem by changing the parameter from direct vector comparison to angle measurement. By calculating and displaying the angle between tool vectors, the system converts a complex two-dimensional vector comparison into a simple one-dimensional angular measurement, making quantitative analysis accessible and precise.
3Reliability
If detailed tool path information is displayed, then error diagnosis capability is improved, but the display becomes cluttered and hard to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the most critical information for error diagnosis: tool vectors representing tool posture and the angle between them. By taking out and displaying only these essential elements rather than all possible path details, the system maintains high error identification accuracy while keeping the display clean and interpretable. Irrelevant or redundant information is deliberately omitted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing detailed tool vector information specifically at points where path deviations occur, rather than uniformly displaying all path data. The angle calculation and tool vector display are concentrated in regions where error diagnosis is needed, making the display both reliable for error identification and easy to interpret by focusing attention on critical areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool path display apparatus includes a display unit for displaying at least two of a program path, a command path and an actual path so that the paths can be compared with each other. The tool path display apparatus further includes a tool vector display unit for displaying tool vectors representative of tool postures corresponding to these paths so that the tool vectors can be compared with each other. Each tool vector is displayed as a line segment connecting a tool tip point and a reference point distant from the tool tip point toward a tool base end side by a predetermined distance.