Machine Axis Setpoint Reuse for Exact Trajectory Repetition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems for machine tools face challenges in precisely and flexibly controlling the movement of objects along predetermined trajectories, particularly in cases where power interruptions occur, leading to potential damage due to unintended retraction speeds or directions during retraction movements.

Innovation Solution

A control device that determines and adjusts setpoint values for machine axes to allow for precise retraction movements at varying speeds and directions without recalculating the entire path, using existing setpoints and adjusting them to achieve desired speed changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the entire path is recalculated to adjust speed or direction during retraction movements, then the precision of trajectory following is improved, but the computational effort and time required are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory precisionVSAvoidcomputation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent stores the original setpoint values and trajectory data before machining operations in advance. When retraction or speed adjustment is needed, the system retrieves and reuses these pre-stored values instead of recalculating the entire path, thus maintaining trajectory precision while avoiding time-consuming computations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates and stores copies of the original setpoint values and path data in memory. These copied data are then reused for retraction movements and speed adjustments, eliminating the need for recalculation while ensuring the retraction follows the exact original trajectory.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If the retraction speed is increased to improve productivity, then the machining efficiency is improved, but the risk of collisions or damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining efficiencyVSAvoidcollision risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic adjustment of retraction speed based on real-time conditions. The control system can vary the speed during retraction movements, allowing faster speeds in safe zones and slower speeds near potential collision areas, thus improving productivity while minimizing collision risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors the actual position and speed during retraction movements and provides feedback to the control device. This allows real-time adjustments to prevent collisions while maintaining high speeds where safe, balancing productivity and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the control system stores detailed path information for every point, then the ability to precisely repeat movements is improved, but the memory requirements and system complexity are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement repetition accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and stores only the essential setpoint values and key trajectory parameters needed for accurate movement repetition, rather than storing complete detailed path information for every point. This reduces memory requirements and system complexity while maintaining sufficient precision for practical applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Manufacturing precision

If the interpolation cycle frequency is increased to improve speed control precision, then the speed accuracy is improved, but the computational load and processing time are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed control accuracyVSAvoidcomputational energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calculations and stores setpoint values in advance during the machining operation. This allows the system to use a lower interpolation cycle frequency during retraction movements while still achieving good speed control accuracy, thereby reducing computational energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4625076A1Control device and method for exactly repeating movements at a changed speed
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4625076A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4625076A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4625076A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a control device (3) for a machine (2) with at least two controllable axes (X, Y, Z, B, C) for moving an object (13) encompassed by the machine (2) or connected to the machine (2) along a predetermined trajectory curve, wherein each axis (X, Y, Z, B, C) comprises at least one drive to which a control device is assigned, and wherein the control device (3) determines a first number of first setpoint values ​​for each axis (X, Y, Z, B, C) in such a way that when the first number of first setpoint values ​​are supplied to the control device in an interpolation cycle, the axes (X, Y, Z, B, C) move in such a way that the object (13) moves at a predetermined first speed along at least one path section (A) of the predetermined trajectory curve.The aim of the invention is to move the object (13) along the predeterminable trajectory curve multiple times with high precision, but at different speeds and, if necessary, in different directions of movement. To this end, the invention provides that the control device (3) uses the first number of first setpoint values ​​to determine a second number of second setpoint values, different from the first number, which, when specified to the control device in the interpolation cycle, move the object (13) at least approximately along the trajectory section (A) at a second speed different from the first speed.