Method for creating computer-aided design (CAD) solid models from numerically controlled (NC) machine instructions
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsShawn E. Hagmeier, Matthew T. Huffman, Luis A. Vinuelas
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Abstract
A method of generating a computer-based three-dimensional representation of an object resulting from cutting tool operations that remove portions of material from an initial tool solid is disclosed. Using data containing dimensions of the cutting tool and data concerning the tool paths (e.g., points defining the tool paths), the method involves creating a model of the initial tool solid, creating a model of the tool solid removed along each tool path, and subtracting each tool solid model removed from the initial tool solid model. The data concerning the tool paths can be derived from numerically controlled (NC) machine fabrication instructions.
Claims20
A method of generating a computer-based three-dimensional representation of an object from data containing dimensions of a cutting tool and a plurality of points defining one or more tool paths of that cutting tool, the object resulting from the operation of the cutting tool along the tool paths within an initial tool solid, which operation results in removal of one or more tool path solids from the initial tool solid, the method comprising the steps of:
- creating a mathematical model of the initial tool solid from data containing dimensions of a cutting tool and a plurality of points defining one or more tool paths such that the initial tool solid model encompasses the tool paths;
- creating a mathematical model of the tool path solid removed along each tool path by defining a modeling tolerance and representing the tool path as the mathematical model if the difference between the points defining the tool path and the points of the mathematical model is less than or equal to the modeling tolerance;
- and
- subtracting each tool path solid model from the initial tool solid model;
- thereby producing the computer-based three-dimensional representation of the object.
A method of generating a computer-based three-dimensional representation of an object from data containing dimensions of an initial tool solid, dimensions of a cutting tool, and a plurality of points defining one or more tool paths, the object resulting from the operation of the cutting tool along the tool paths within the initial tool solid that removes one or more tool path solids from the initial tool solid, the method comprising the steps of:
- creating a mathematical model of the initial tool solid;
- creating a mathematical model of the tool path solid removed along each tool path by defining a geometric modeling tolerance and representing the tool path as one or more geometric figures if the difference between the points defining the tool path and the points defining the geometric figure is less than or equal to the geometric modeling tolerance;
- and
- subtracting each tool path solid model from the initial tool solid model.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.