Trajectory planning method with grinding compensation strategy for robotic propeller blade sharpening application

Abstract

A propeller is the main part of a water-borne carrier's drive system. Geometrical shape accuracy and sharpness on the cutting side of the propeller's blade play vital roles to minimize fluid resistance and improve transmission efficiency. For Jet Ski and small boats, the significant thickness variation along the blade edge is embedded in the lost-wax casting process. The automatic trajectory planning for the robotic propeller blade's sharpening operation is challenging due to its complicated curved shape and the tiny gaps between two connected blades. The trajectory planning for robotic grinding based on the edge thickness distribution of the standard model may result in over- or under-cutting due to the highly inconsistent shape deformation caused by the casting process. To address the aforementioned challenges, this study proposes a fully automated robot grinding system. The proposed method combines a novel trajectory planning approach based on a parametric and point cloud model with a 3D scanning on edge-based trajectory adjustment approach. Moreover, to improve the grinding accuracy, a laser-vision sensor-based detection algorithm is also developed for grinding compensation to counteract the geometrical variation caused by the casting process. The effectiveness of the proposed system is validated through numerous experimental trials using a 6-DOF industrial robot. The research findings showcase that the proposed technique is feasible, stable, and effective for robotic propeller blade edge sharpening operations.