Workpiece Surface Display for Ball End Mill Dimple Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to accurately display the spherical dimples formed on a workpiece surface by a ball end mill, making it difficult for users to predict the surface pattern after machining and leading to incomplete or streaked machining marks.

Innovation Solution

A workpiece machined surface display method and device that specifies the shape and position of dimples to be formed by a cutting blade, generates a tool path based on these specifications, and displays dimple images on a monitor, allowing users to visualize the machining marks before actual machining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional machining display systems are used, then the tool path can be displayed, but the actual spherical dimple patterns formed on the workpiece surface cannot be accurately visualized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface pattern informationVSAvoiddimple shape representation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the actual dimple pattern by simulating the machining process. A 3D model of the workpiece is generated, and the ball end mill cutting action is simulated to produce a virtual dimple pattern that replicates the actual surface topology. This virtual copy allows users to visualize and evaluate the surface pattern before actual machining occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary simulation of the machining process to predict the dimple pattern before actual machining. By calculating the tool path and simulating the ball end mill cutting action in advance, the system allows users to evaluate and adjust machining parameters to avoid incomplete or streaked dimples before committing to actual machining operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If ball end mill is used to cut workpiece surface, then machining can be performed, but spherical dimples are formed which are difficult to predict and evaluate before machining

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining process simplicityVSAvoidsurface pattern predictability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides visual feedback by displaying the predicted dimple pattern on the workpiece surface model. Users can see the expected surface pattern, including the size, shape, and distribution of dimples, before machining. This feedback loop allows users to adjust machining parameters such as feed rate, spindle speed, and tool path to achieve the desired surface pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a simulation model as an intermediary between the machining parameters and the actual workpiece surface. This virtual model acts as a mediator that translates machining parameters into predicted surface patterns, allowing users to evaluate the outcome without directly machining the actual workpiece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If conventional display methods showing only groove shapes are used, then tool path visualization is provided, but actual dimple shapes and surface patterns cannot be grasped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay system simplicityVSAvoidsurface topology accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from 2D groove line representations to 3D surface topology visualization. By generating a 3D model of the workpiece and simulating the dimple pattern on the surface, the system provides depth and dimensional information that accurately represents the actual surface topology, allowing users to grasp the true shape and distribution of dimples.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2833224B1Workpiece machining surface display method, workpiece machining surface display device, tool path generation device and workpiece machining surface display program
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 MAKINO MILLING MASCH CO LTD
  • EP2833224B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2833224B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2833224B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

The invention is a workpiece machining surface display method by means of which a machining mark generated when a workpiece machining surface (60) is machined by a rotary tool (54) comprising a cutting edge (54a) is displayed on a display device (2). Said workpiece machining surface display method contains: a first step in which the shape and position of an indentation (61) generated by the cutting edge (54a) shaving the workpiece machining surface (60) are predicted; and a second step in which an indentation image (610) representing the shape of the indentation (61) that has been predicted in the first step is displayed in association with the predicted position.