Patent Application
20080126019
This invention broadly relates to a method and system for creating a tool specification comprising a representation of a three-dimensional model and associated drawing specifications of the tool.
The procurement of cutting tools with a unique geometry or geometries may require the preparation of drawing specifications so that the tool manufacturer may make the tool according to this unique geometry or geometries. Current drawings and drafting methods may fail to accurately and completely define the correct geometry of these tools, especially if that geometry is extremely complex. These drawing specifications may also be insufficient to ensure consistent results across multiple lots and multiple manufacturers of the tool. Wide variations in tool manufacture may also cause a significant reduction in tool life, performance failures, damage to the product or workpiece which the tool is used with, etc.
Traditional two-dimensional drafting techniques and methodologies may be used to render basic images of the tool to which dimensions and tolerances may be added to create a drawing specification. These two-dimensional drafting techniques and methodologies may range from crude raster images of hand drawings to more sophisticated electronic graphic files developed using, for example, commercially available computer aided design (CAD) software applications. For example, an electronic graphic file of a similar drawing, or a generic template, may be modified to reflect dimensions, tolerances, notes, etc., for information or data believed to be relevant to the tool drawing specification.
Variation in the detail specified for the tool drawing specification may be influenced by such factors as the draftsman's knowledge or skill, the ability to pictorially render the desired image, the geometric features thought to affect tool performance, the educated speculation of dimensions and tolerances expected to produce the desired results with the tool, etc. This process of creating a tool drawing specification may thus be labor intensive, time consuming, and potentially unable to deliver consistent results. The resulting tool drawing specifications may also conform to no standard, may contain errors and inconsistencies which prove difficult or impossible to physically manufacture, may provide inadequate tool performance, etc.
Accordingly, a method and system may be needed to quickly, easily and consistently creating a tool drawing specification which provides accuracy and completeness sufficient to achieve consistent and correct manufacture of the tool, even across multiple tool lots and/or manufacturers.
An embodiment of this invention is broadly directed at a method comprising the following steps:
Another embodiment of this invention is broadly directed at a system comprising:
As used herein, the term “tool” refers to a device, part, component, bit, implement, instrument, etc. which is moved, turned, spun, rotated, etc., to cut, grind, shape, drill, mill, ream, bore, etc., a material, workpiece, etc. Tools may include cutting tools such as mills (e.g., ball nose end mills, flat end mills, chamfer mills, etc.), drills, bores, reamers, countersinks, counterbores, turning inserts (e.g., for grooving, forming, etc.), etc.
As used herein, the term “tool parameters” refers to geometric and non-geometric data elements which may be used to uniquely describe the characteristics, properties, dimensions, composition, shape, function, features, etc., of a particular tool.
As used herein, the term “geometric tool parameters” refers to those data elements which may be used to define the three-dimensional shape, configuration, design, features, etc., of the tool and which may be used to create a three-dimensional model of the tool, as well as the nominal drawing specifications of the tool.
As used herein, the term “non-geometric tool parameters” refers to qualitative data elements which are of a non-numeric format and which in and of themselves do not represent geometric values necessary in defining the three-dimensional shape, configuration, design, features, etc., of the tool, or in creating a three-dimensional model of the tool, as well as the associated drawing specifications of the tool.
As used herein, the term “basic tool parameters” refers to a set of tool parameters which describe generic profile dimensions of a specific tool type. For example, for rotary tools (e.g., end mills, drills, reamers, etc.), these basic tool parameters may include the cutting diameter, shank diameter, flute length, overall length, corner radius, holding style, etc. When coupled with a specific application (e.g., workpiece material), the remaining parameters which define the other details of the geometric features of the tool may be retrieved from a tool data library based on the basic tool parameters submitted. Collectively, the basic tool parameters and the remaining tool parameters retrieved provide a complete set of tool specification parameters in creating, constructing, etc., a three-dimensional model of the tool, as well as the associated drawing specification, of the tool specification.
As used herein, the term “tool specification parameters” refers to a complete set of tool parameters which define the basic form, fit, function, shape, performance, use, etc., necessary to create a tool specification for a tool. These tool specification parameters may comprise the basic tool parameters, as well as any remaining tool parameters derived by the application of knowledge-based rules from pre-existing tool parameter data in the tool data library (referred to hereafter as “best practices”) to these basic tool parameters.
As used herein, the term “tool specification” refers to a set of data, parameters, etc., which uniquely describe, define, etc., the tool in sufficient detail so that the tool may be appropriately manufactured, described, inspected, etc., for the intended use of the tool.
As used herein, the term “pre-existing tool specification” refers to one or more tool specifications which are already present and in existence in a tool data library.
As used herein, the term “pre-existing tool parameter” refers to one or more tool parameters which are already present and in existence in a tool data library.
As used herein, the term “library” refers to an electronic database containing searchable, retrievable, storable, etc., data useful in embodiments of the method and system of this invention and which may be stored or reside on, as well as be loaded or installed from, one or more floppy disks, CD ROM disks, hard disks or any other form of suitable non-volatile electronic storage media. A library useful in embodiments of the method and system of this invention may be accessed locally or remotely, may be downloaded by remote transmission, etc.
As used herein, the term “tool data library” refers to a library which stores searchable and retrievable pre-existing tool specification data, pre-exiting tool parameter data, knowledge-based rules for deriving “best practice” tool parameters from pre-exiting tool parameters, etc., and any combination thereof.
As used herein, the term “criteria” with regard to a request refers to tool parameter data, etc., which define, specify, etc., those features, properties, etc., relevant to obtaining from a tool data library pre-existing tool specification data, pre-exiting tool parameter data, knowledge-based rules for deriving “best practice” tool parameters from pre-exiting tool parameters, etc.
As used herein, the term “request” refers to any action initiated by a requestor to search, retrieve, obtain, etc., data, information, results, etc., which may be of interest to the requestor, for example, searching a tool data library, creating a model and drawing specifications from tool parameters provided, etc.
As used herein, the term “template” refers to a starting or existing pattern, framework, model, structure, outline, guide, etc., containing the knowledge-based rules necessary to create, generate, etc., new patterns, structures, etc.
As used herein, the term “parametric” refers to the use of a variable set of parameters upon which rules and knowledge may be applied in order to create a unique tool specification.
As used herein, the term “parametric tool template” refers to one or more electronic computer aided design (CAD) templates which contain the knowledge-based rules necessary to create three-dimensional models and associated drawing specifications for a variety of geometric tool shapes when provided, modified, updated, etc., with a set of data (i.e., tool parameters) which represents the tool geometry desired.
As used herein, the term “tool model” refers to an electronic CAD file containing a three-dimensional model, and associated drawing specifications for a tool derived from a set of tool parameter data imported and applied to a parametric tool template.
As used herein, the term “complex shape” refers to a geometric shape which may result from the application and use of the parametric templates and which has surfaces, edges, configurations, angles, features, etc., which, without the use of, for example, a CAD software program, might be difficult or impossible to define, describe, design, etc., in the context of a two-dimensional model and/or drawing specification.
As used herein, the term “three-dimensional” refers to a mathematical representation of a geometric entity in the three dimensions according to, for example, a standard Cartesian coordinate system.
As used herein, the term “three-dimensional model of the tool” refers to an electronic representation of the geometric shape of the tool within the three dimensions of an electronic CAD file.
As used herein, the term “drawing specifications” refers to a two-dimensional representation (e.g., blue prints) which illustrate the tool such that the tool may be described and manufactured.
As used herein, the term “importing” refers to transmitting, applying, etc., tool parameters to a parametric CAD template file.
As used herein, the term “requestor” refers to anyone using embodiments of the method and system of the present invention.
As used herein, the term “requester workstation” refers to any input and/or output device which may be used by a requestor to provide input, obtain access, etc., to embodiments of the method and system of the present invention.
As used herein, the term “software” refers to any form of programmed machine-readable language or instructions (e.g., object code) that, when loaded or otherwise installed, provides operating instructions to a machine capable of reading those instructions, such as a computer or other computer program reader. Software useful in embodiments of the method and system of the present invention may be stored or reside on, as well as be loaded or installed from, one or more floppy disks, CD ROM disks, hard disks or any other form of suitable non-volatile electronic storage media. Software useful in embodiments of the method and system of the present invention may also be installed by downloading or other form of remote transmission.
As used herein, the term “CAD software program” refers to computer assisted design (CAD) software programs which may be useful in designing two-dimensional and especially three-dimensional objects (e.g., tools). CAD software programs may be used to design, develop, create draw, represent, etc., the object of interest and may be used throughout the engineering process, including conceptual design and layout, detailed engineering and analysis of components and definition of manufacturing methods, etc. Some examples of CAD software programs useful in embodiments of the method and system of this invention include SOLID EDGE@ sold by Unigraphics®, CATIA® by IBM®, as well as programs produced by PRO-Engineer, IIDEAS, etc. The term CAD also refers to programs identified as computer-assisted, computer-aided drafting, including computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) programs; computer-aided industrial design (CAID) programs; computer-aided architectural design (CAAD) programs, etc.
As used herein, the terms “transmission,” “transmitting”, “transmit” and the like refer to any type, manner, etc. of providing, supplying, inputting or otherwise transmitting information or data. Transmission of information/data herein may be carried out electronically, including the use of wired electronic methods, wireless electronic methods or combinations thereof. Electronic transmissions may be carried out by a variety of local or remote electronic transmission methods, such as by using Local or Wide Area Network (LAN or WAN)-based, Internet-based, or web-based transmission methods, cable television or wireless telecommunications networks, or any other suitable local or remote transmission method.
As used herein, the term “computer” may refer to a personal computer (portable or desktop), server, mainframe computer, etc.
As used herein, the terms “data” and “information” refer interchangeably to information, facts, etc., in numerical and/or electronic form which may be an input, an output (e.g., a result), or both.
As used herein, the term “comprising” means various operations, steps, data, stations, components, parts, devices, techniques, parameters, etc., may be conjointly employed in this invention. Accordingly, the term “comprising” encompasses the more restrictive terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.”
An embodiment of this invention broadly comprises a method for creating a tool specification by submitting a request which includes basic tool parameters to a tool data library, generating tool specification parameters based on the basic tool parameters submitted, importing the generated tool specification parameters into a parametric tool template, and processing the imported tool specification parameters and parametric tool template using a CAD software program to create the tool specification, wherein the tool specification comprises a representation of a three-dimensional model of the tool and associated drawing specifications for the tool. An embodiment of this invention also broadly comprises a requestor workstation for at least entering search requests and tool parameters and for at least reviewing created tool specifications, a tool data library accessible by the requester workstation and comprising pre-existing tool specification data and pre-existing tool parameter data, a source of parametric tool templates modifiable with imported tool parameters, and a source of a CAD software program for processing the imported tool parameters and parametric tool templates to create the tool specifications.
One of the benefits which may be provided by these embodiments of the method and system of this invention is the ability to generate these tool specification parameters by searching the tool data library for pre-existing tool parameter data, and applying knowledge-based rules from the pre-existing tool parameter data (“best practices”) to these basic parameters to provide the remaining tool parameters which, collectively, comprise the complete set of tool specification parameters. Another benefit which may be provided by these embodiments of the method and system of this invention is to enable the requester to obtain a standard, fully defined tool specification relatively quickly upon submitting the basic tool parameters, e.g., potentially within minutes instead of weeks. Embodiments of the method and system of this invention may also provide the requester with, for example, computer screens (including, for example, dialog boxes) which may guide and aid the requestor in creating the tool specification, including, for example, providing guidance in entering the basic tool parameters needed to initiate a request for a tool specification, generating the tool parameter specifications needed to create the tool specification, providing the ability to modify the tool specification upon review by the requester, etc. The tool specification which is created may also be saved, stored, etc., in the tool data library to augment the pre-existing tool specification data and pre-existing tool parameter data, to provide for further modification of the tool specification, to provide for retrieval of the tool specification as needed, etc.
An illustrative method and system for creating a tool specification comprising a representation of a three-dimensional model and associated drawing specifications for a cutting tool such as, for example, a ball nose end mill, is illustrated by the flowchart shown in
As indicated by arrow 112, the requester may review search results 110 to decide, as indicated by diamond 114, whether the pre-exiting tool specification provided from library 104 meets or appears to meet the criteria specified in request 106, or whether a new tool specification is needed. If a new tool specification is needed (a “YES” indicated by arrow 116), the requestor may then provide and enter basic tool parameters for creating a new tool specification, as indicated by rectangle 118. These entered basic tool parameters 118 are then submitted (e.g., transmitted), as indicated by arrow 120, to library 104 for the purpose of searching for “best practices” tool parameter data (using knowledge-based rules applied to the submitted basic tool parameters 118) which may be available in library 104 and which might be relevant in generating the remaining tool parameters required to complete the set of tool specification parameters needed to create the new tool specification. The relevant “best practices” tool parameter data which is available in library 104 based on the submitted basic tool parameters 118 is then retrieved, as indicated by arrow 122. This retrieved “best practices” tool parameter data 122, along with the submitted basic tool parameters 118, which may be saved in library 104, are used to generate the remaining tool parameters needed to complete the set of tool specification parameters for creating the new tool specification. After the complete set of tool specification parameters is generated, a request, as indicated by rectangle 124, to create a representation of a three-dimensional model of the tool and associated drawing specifications of the tool which comprise the new tool specification is then transmitted to library 104, as indicated by arrow 126. The transmission 126 of request 124 to library 104 causes the generated set of tool specification parameters to be retrieved and imported, as indicated by arrow 128, into a relevant, pre-existing parametric tool template (which may be in library 104 or which may be in another library accessible by method/system 100), as indicated by cylinder 130. The imported tool specification parameters 128 and parametric tool template 130 are then processed, as indicated by arrow 132, using CAD software program(s) (which may reside on the same computer which library 104 resides or which may reside on another computer accessible by method/system 100), as indicated by cylinder 134. CAD software program(s) 134 then transforms the imported tool specification parameters 128 and parametric tool template 130, as indicated by arrow 136, and thus creates a new tool specification comprising a three-dimensional tool model and the associated drawing specifications for the tool, as indicated by cylinder 138.
The new tool specification 138 comprising the model and associated drawing specifications are then transmitted, as indicated by the arrow 140, to the requester workstation for review by the requester, as indicated by rectangle 142. From the review in step 142, the requestor is then asked, as indicated by arrow 144, to make a decision, as indicated by diamond 146, as to whether the model and associated drawing specifications for the new tool specification 138 are acceptable (“YES”) or are not acceptable (“NO”). If the requestor feels the model and associated drawing specifications for the new tool specification 138 are acceptable, as indicated by the “YES” arrow 148, the new tool specification 138 comprising the model and associated drawing specifications may be stored, issued, etc., as indicated by rectangle 150. If, instead, the requestor feels the model and associated drawing specifications for the new tool specification 138 are not acceptable (for example, require further modification), as indicated by the “NO” line 152, the requestor may initiate from the requestor workstation a further search of library 104 for additional pre-existing tool parameter data which might be relevant for modifying the model and/or associated drawing specifications, as indicated by arrow 154, or may directly provide the additional tool parameter data for modifying the model and/or associated drawing specifications, as indicated by arrow 156, without additionally searching library 104. The request to further modify the model and/or associated drawing specifications for the new tool specification may then be processed as before (i.e., by following steps 102 through 146 if the path indicated by arrow 154 is chosen, or by following steps 118 through 146 if the path indicated by arrow 156 is chosen). This modification cycle may be repeated one or more times (i.e., by repeating the step represented by arrow 146), until the requestor decides the modified model and/or associated drawing specifications are acceptable at step 146 and then stores, issues, etc., the accepted modified model and/or associated drawing specifications for the new tool specification in step 150.
Using screen 200, the requester may initiate a search (step 106) in library 104 for pre-existing tool specifications by entering the appropriate data into panels 204 and/or 208.
Assuming that the results 110 shown in screen 300 indicate to the requestor that a suitable pre-existing tool specification for the requested ball nose end mill does not exist in library 104, the requestor may then be presented with computer screen 400 shown in
While specific embodiments of the method and system of this invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims.
