Action Chart Control Program Generation for Automated Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for generating control programs for automated manufacturing machines are time-consuming and prone to errors due to the need for detailed programming by experts, which hinders the rapid introduction of these machines into manufacturing sites.
Innovation Solution
A control program generation apparatus and method that uses an action chart (YOGO chart) to automatically generate control programs by separating qualitative and quantitative information, allowing non-expert machine designers to create the chart and reducing errors through the use of action identifiers and numerical tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated automated manufacturing machine is developed for each manufacturing site, then the machine can be customized to specific machining requirements, but the development time increases due to the need to create new control programs
Solution Approach 1:
The control program is segmented into reusable modules stored in a database. Each module represents a specific machining operation or control function that can be independently selected and combined. This allows rapid assembly of customized control programs for different manufacturing sites without developing entire programs from scratch, thus reducing development time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Control program modules are pre-developed and stored in a database before actual deployment. These modules contain standardized control logic for common machining operations. When a new manufacturing site requires customization, pre-existing modules are selected and configured rather than creating new control logic, significantly reducing the time needed to adapt machines to different sites.
2Reliability
If control programs are developed by expert programmers, then the control logic can be precise and reliable, but the development process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating new control programs from scratch, the system copies and reuses proven control logic modules from a database. These modules have been previously developed and tested by experts, ensuring reliability. The copying process maintains the proven accuracy of the original modules while eliminating the need for new programmers to recreate the same logic, thus reducing complexity and expertise requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables non-expert users to assemble control programs by selecting from pre-defined modules in the database. The modular architecture and user interface allow operators to configure control logic without requiring deep programming expertise. The system automatically handles the integration and coordination of selected modules, making the control program development process self-serviceable and reducing dependency on expert programmers.
Data Source
AI summary
An action chart describing an operation of an automated manufacturing machine includes subperiods into which an operation period from a start to an end of the operation of the automated manufacturing machine is divided. The action chart includes element actions included in the operation of the automated manufacturing machine. The element actions on the action chart are assigned to the subperiods and each include an action identifier including qualitative information about the element action, and a numerical table or numerical parameters. The action chart is read. The action identifiers on the action chart are converted into program elements stored in a manner associated with the action identifiers. A numerical value in the numerical table or the numerical parameters is set for each program element. The program elements are combined together in an order of the subperiods on the action chart.