Cell Control Program Integrating PLC and NC for Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation systems with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) lack effective integration between the PLC computer program and the numerical controller (NC) for actuating manipulators, leading to inefficient coordination and actuation of automation cells.
Innovation Solution
A cell control computer program is introduced to actuate the PLC computer program and serve as an NC controller, providing a unified software framework that coordinates PLC functionality and NC controller functions, enabling improved integration and standardization through a modular architecture and interprocess communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate PLC computer program and NC controller are used, then the functionality of actuating input/output modules and manipulators is provided, but the integration and coordination between PLC and NC controller is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the PLC computer program and NC controller into a single integrated software system running on one computer. The PLC program and NC controller share common resources including processor, memory, and communication interfaces, eliminating the need for separate hardware systems while improving integration between control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single computer system performs multiple functions by executing both PLC control logic and NC controller functions. The system can actuate both input/output modules and manipulators through a unified software architecture that provides universal control capabilities across different automation tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate PLC and NC controller systems are used, then specific hardware devices are provided for each control function, but the system lacks standardization and modular architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated software system is organized into modular components including the PLC computer program module and NC controller module. These software modules can be independently developed, tested, and configured, providing standardization while maintaining ease of implementation through clear separation of control functions within the unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified computer system provides universal control capabilities that can be adapted to different automation applications. The standardized software architecture allows the same hardware platform to serve multiple control functions, improving versatility without increasing implementation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an automation arrangement, having a manipulator and an input/output module for automated production and also a computer apparatus uses the computer apparatus to execute a PLC computer program for providing a programmable logic controller for the input/output module, which PLC computer program is communitively connected to the input/output module via a module bus for the purpose of actuating said input/output module. The method is characterized in that the computer apparatus is used to execute a cell control computer program for actuating the PLC computer program via a PLC interface of the PLC computer program, in that the cell control computer program provides an NC controller for the manipulator and in that the cell-control computer program is communicatively connected to the manipulator via a network bus for the purpose of actuating said manipulator.