Working Plane Reconfiguration Using Collision-Free Positioning Ranges
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computerized numerical control working centers, manually repositioning supporting bars and coupling devices is time-consuming and poses safety risks due to potential collisions with unmoved tools, as operators must identify and rearrange devices not involved in the machining process.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates and provides positioning ranges for mobile devices not involved in processing, using a collision matrix to discretize the working plane into cells, check potential collisions, and determine safe positioning ranges for supporting bars and coupling devices, with a logic control unit guiding the operator for efficient and safe reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices are manually repositioned between processing operations, then the working center can be reconfigured for different machining tasks, but the reconfiguration process becomes time-consuming and safety risks increase due to potential collisions with tools
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit calculates and determines the positioning ranges for mobile devices before the actual reconfiguration operation takes place. By pre-computing the safe zones and collision-free areas based on the upcoming machining program, the system prepares the reconfiguration plan in advance, allowing operators to quickly move devices without manual collision checking, thus reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to operators by displaying the calculated positioning ranges and collision zones on the interface. This feedback mechanism guides operators to place mobile devices in safe areas, preventing collisions with tools during machining operations. The continuous feedback loop between the control unit and operator ensures safe and efficient reconfiguration
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices are manually repositioned between processing operations, then the working center can be reconfigured for different machining tasks, but safety risks increase due to potential collisions with tools
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary anti-action by calculating collision-free positioning ranges before the machining operation begins. The system proactively identifies areas where mobile devices should be positioned to avoid collisions with tools, and provides this information to operators in advance. This preliminary protective measure prevents collisions before they can occur, enhancing safety during reconfiguration and machining operations
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the machining program and the mobile device positioning. It processes the machining program to identify tool trajectories and calculates safe positioning zones, then communicates these zones to the operator. This intermediary function mediates the complex relationship between tool paths and device positions, providing a simplified safety guide that reduces collision risks
3Ease of operation
If operators manually identify parking areas for mobile devices, then devices not involved in processing can be positioned, but the process becomes time-consuming and may result in incorrect area identification
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs the task of identifying parking areas automatically without requiring operator intervention. By analyzing the machining program and calculating which mobile devices are needed and where they should be positioned, the system serves itself in determining the optimal configuration. This self-service capability eliminates the time-consuming manual identification process while ensuring accurate parking area selection
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical process of operators physically identifying and marking parking areas with an automated computational system. The control unit uses algorithms to calculate safe positioning zones based on tool trajectories and device locations, substituting human judgment and manual measurement with automated computational analysis. This substitution dramatically reduces the time required to identify parking areas while improving accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a method for determining the position of mobile devices (21a,b,...i,...n; 24aa,bb,...ij,...nn) in a working center (C) for machining at least one workpiece (W), in particular a panel, wherein said working center (C) comprises a working plane (2), for supporting said at least one panel (W), comprising in turn mobile devices (21a,b,...i,...n; 24aa,bb,...ij,...nn) capable to move in a first direction parallel to a first axis (X) and a second direction parallel to a second axis (Y) orthogonal to said first direction, a working unit (3) comprising at least one working head (32), said method comprising the following steps: a. acquiring a machining program, comprising the overall dimensions and/or the trajectories of said at least one working head (32) and the types of machining to be performed on said panel (W); b. acquiring the arrangement of the initial configuration of said mobile devices (21a,b,...i,...n; 24aa,bb,...ij,...nn) in said working plane (2); c. identifying a zone (Z1) on said working plane (2) in which a group of said mobile devices (21a,b,...i,...n; 24aa,bb,...ij,...nn) involved in said machining program is arranged; d. identifying the remaining group of said mobile devices (21a,b,...i,...n; 24aa,bb,...ij,...nn) not involved in said machining program; e. calculating a positioning range (R) for each mobile device of said remaining group of said mobile devices (21a,b,...i,...n; 24aa,bb,...ij,...nn) along said first direction and/or along said second direction, with respect to said initial configuration, based on the dimensions of said machining zone (Z1). The present invention also concerns a working center that implements the method.