Tool Vector Display for 5-Axis Machine Tool Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tool path display systems for 5-axis machine tools do not effectively utilize actual feedback information to show the orientation of tools relative to workpieces, making it difficult to verify machined surfaces and identify machining failures.
Innovation Solution
A tool vector display apparatus that acquires actual positional information from drive axes, calculates three-dimensional coordinates of tool center points and tool vectors, and displays these vectors relative to the workpiece using a coordinate system fixed to the workpiece, allowing for intuitive visualization of tool orientation and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only tool end path is displayed, then the display is simple and clear, but the relation between machined surface and tool motion cannot be sufficiently verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds tool vector information as a dimensional enhancement to the existing tool path display. By overlaying tool vectors (representing tool orientation) onto the tool center path in three-dimensional space, the system provides both positional trajectory and orientation data without abandoning the simplicity of path display. This multi-dimensional representation allows verification of the relationship between tool motion and machined surface while maintaining clear visualization.
2Ease of operation
If tool vectors are displayed using CAD data only, then the display is visually intuitive, but comparison with machining failure points is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by acquiring actual positional information from the machine tool's drive axes during machining operations. This real-world feedback data is used to calculate and display actual tool vectors based on measured positions, which can then be directly compared with CAD-based planned vectors and machining failure points. This closed-loop approach ensures both visual intuitiveness and reliability for machining verification.
3Measurement precision
If actual positional information is acquired and processed, then machining verification accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing multi-functional capabilities of modern machine tool numerical controllers, which already possess functions for acquiring drive axis positional information, calculating tool center points, and displaying tool paths. By utilizing these existing universal functions, the system achieves accurate machining verification without requiring separate dedicated hardware or complex external processing systems, thereby minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Time information t and positional information about each axis are obtained, and the three-dimensional coordinates of tool center point Pe at time t are calculated to display the path of the tool center point Pe at time t. Then, whether a fixed time has elapsed or not is decided. If the fixed time has elapsed, the coordinates of the tool vector start point Ps at time t are calculated to display a line segment connecting between tool vector start point Ps and tool center point Pe, which is the end point of the tool vector. This display enables the orientation of the tool at each tool center point to be grasped at a glance.