Tool Path Generation for Interference Avoidance in Milling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milling processing systems face challenges in forming tool paths that effectively avoid interference regions, particularly for complex shapes and arc shapes, as current methods are limited to straight-line paths and fail to account for intersecting points correctly.
Innovation Solution
A tool path forming method that includes an unprocessed region detecting step and an uncut region tool path forming step, which identifies and avoids interference regions by changing the tool to one capable of processing shape elements within these regions, applicable for both straight and arc shapes, and various processing techniques like inner diameter, outer diameter, and sectional processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tool path is formed using only straight-line methods to avoid interference regions, then interference regions can be avoided for straight shapes, but arc shapes and complex shapes cannot be properly processed
Solution Approach 1:
The tool path is divided into multiple segments including straight lines and arcs. The patent segments the tool path based on the geometry of the workpiece and tool interference regions, allowing different path types (straight and curved) to be used appropriately for different portions of the machining operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces curved tool paths (arcs) to handle complex shapes and avoid interference regions that cannot be navigated using only straight-line movements. This allows the tool to follow curved trajectories that match the workpiece geometry while maintaining safe distances from interference zones.
2Ease of operation
If the starting point of an interference region is considered simply as a contact point in an arc, then the calculation is simplified, but the tool path cannot correctly avoid interference regions when the starting point is an intersecting point
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates tool interference by continuously monitoring the tool's position and orientation relative to the workpiece geometry. The interference region detection uses feedback from the tool's current state to dynamically adjust the tool path, ensuring accurate avoidance of interference zones regardless of whether the starting point is a contact point or intersecting point.
3Productivity
If separate methods are used for different processing techniques (inner diameter, outer diameter, sectional processing), then each technique can be optimized, but the overall tool path forming efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent presents a unified tool path forming method that can handle multiple processing techniques (inner diameter processing, outer diameter processing, sectional processing) through a single algorithmic framework. The method universally applies interference region detection and avoidance logic across different machining operations, eliminating the need for separate specialized methods for each technique.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a tool path forming method in a milling processing system, the method including: (A) a shape offset step (S10); (B) a virtual wall forming step (S20); (C) an interference region forming and shape revising step (S30 and S40); (D) a closed shape forming step (S50); (E) a cutting surface forming step (S60); (F) tool path forming steps (S70 and S80); (G) an unprocessed region detecting step (S90); and (H) an uncut region tool path forming step (S110).