Virtual Machining for Machined Part Variation Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current design optimization methods rely on operator experience and assumptions, leading to manufacturing challenges and additional costs, especially for new designs with unmanufactured features, as they fail to accurately predict machined part variations.

Innovation Solution

A method using virtual machining to predict machined part variations by receiving computerized specifications and tooling specifications, producing parts virtually, varying tooling specifications, and observing dimensional differences to predict future manufacturing outcomes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If virtual machining is used to predict part variations, then manufacturing precision and design optimization are improved, but device complexity and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepart variation prediction accuracyVSAvoidvirtual machining system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of physical machining processes through computer simulations. Virtual models of machine tools, controllers, and machining processes are developed to replicate real-world behavior, allowing prediction of part variations without physical experimentation. This copying approach enables accurate variation prediction while avoiding the need for multiple physical prototypes or trial-and-error manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs virtual machining and variation analysis before actual manufacturing takes place. By conducting computer simulations of the machining process and predicting part variations in advance, designers can optimize geometries and identify potential manufacturing issues before committing to physical production. This preliminary action prevents costly rework and ensures better manufacturing precision from the first production run.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If virtual machining simulations are conducted to evaluate design variations, then design optimization is improved, but computing time and processing resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign optimization capabilityVSAvoidcomputational processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements adaptive sampling strategies that perform virtual machining simulations on only the most critical geometric features and tolerance zones rather than entire parts. By focusing computational resources on areas that have the greatest impact on part performance and assembly fit, the system achieves effective design optimization with significantly reduced computing time compared to full-part simulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs efficient numerical methods and algorithms that adaptively adjust simulation parameters based on the complexity of the geometry and the desired prediction accuracy. The system dynamically modifies mesh density, iteration counts, and calculation precision to balance computational accuracy with processing time, enabling design optimization studies to be completed in practical timeframes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20220414293A1Method to predict machined part variation for design optimization
Publication Date: 2022.12.29 RTX CORP
  • US20220414293A1 patent drawing
  • US20220414293A1 patent drawing
  • US20220414293A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of predicting machined part variations for design optimization is provided. The method includes receiving computerized specifications for a part and tooling specifications for tooling used for building the part, producing the part using virtual machining based on the computerized and the tooling specifications and producing variations of the part using the virtual machining based on the computerized and the tooling specifications and based on variations of at least some of the tooling specifications.