US 6,647,306 B2 · Interference removal system for automated path planning

Abstract

An interference removal system is provided for determining the possible removal of a component from an assembly where the component to be removed is in an environment including other components that interfere with its removal. The system uses dimensional data to define the removal component and its environment including other components. A boundary space is established around the removal component where the boundary space includes another component interfering with removal of the removal component. The removal component then randomly moves within the boundary space until it is free from interference with its environment. The system is intended to assist in automated path planning by removing initial interference conditions.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A method for determining possible removal of a first component from an assembly, wherein at least one other component interferes with the removal of the first component from the assembly, comprising:

providing dimensional data for the first component and the at least one other component;
defining a boundary space surrounding the first component, the boundary space having dimensions greater than the first component such that at least a portion of the at least one other component falls within the boundary space;
simulating random movement of the first component within the boundary space, checking for interference between the first component and the second component or the first component and the boundary space;
and
reversing the simulated random movement whenever the first component intersects the boundary space, thereby determining the possible removal of the first component from the assembly.

2 more elements

A computer-implemented method for facilitating automated path planning by removing initial interference conditions between a multi-dimensional removal component and a multi-dimensional environment comprising:

creating a multi-dimensional representation of an environment comprising the removal component and at least one other component;
creating a first boundary space for the removal component wherein the first boundary space is a multi-dimensional representation of a boundary within the environment that encompasses the removal component;
creating a second boundary space of the removal component by expanding the first boundary space in at least one direction wherein the second boundary space overlaps at least a portion of the at least one other component interfering with the removal component;
applying random motion to the removal component causing movement of said removal component within the environment wherein the movement of said removal component is within the second boundary space;
checking for interference between the removal component and the second boundary space;
and,
checking for interference between the removal component and any other component within the environment,
whereby the removal component is allowed to move to a position within the environment that does not interfere with any other component.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Interference removal system for automated path planning

Life of this patent

Interference removal system for automated path planning

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11