CNC Digital Twin Training Assembly for Risk-Free Operator Practice

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current operator training methods for CNC machining devices are inadequate as they often do not replicate the specific equipment models or working methods of the company, leading to increased production risks, reduced training effectiveness, and limited ability to test risky situations due to the use of production parts.

Innovation Solution

A training assembly comprising a control console identical to the CNC machine, a digital twin simulator, and an interface module that allows trainees to practice on a simulated environment, reducing the risk of non-quality and enabling remote training, error tolerance, and optimization of machining programs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If training is carried out directly on the company's production machines, then operators can learn on actual equipment, but production rates are degraded and quality risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoidproduction rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital twin copy of the CNC machine that replicates all operational characteristics, controls, and machining processes. This virtual copy allows trainees to practice on identical equipment without affecting physical production, resolving the contradiction between training effectiveness and production rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The digital twin acts as an intermediary between the trainee and the actual production machine. It mediates the training process by providing a realistic simulation environment while completely isolating the physical machine from training activities, thus maintaining both training quality and production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If training is carried out on production parts, then operators gain practical experience, but the risk of non-quality increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepractical experienceVSAvoidquality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The digital twin creates virtual copies of production parts that can be machined indefinitely without quality concerns. Trainees gain practical experience by working with these digital replicas, which perfectly simulate real part geometry and machining requirements without risking actual product quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides a protective layer of simulation before actual production work. Trainees first practice extensively on the digital twin, making mistakes and learning corrections in a risk-free environment, thereby cushioning against potential quality issues when they eventually work on actual production parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If training is done on actual machines, then operators learn real working methods, but the operator has no room for error making the situation uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining realismVSAvoidoperator comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The digital twin provides a realistic copy of the actual machine interface and operational behavior, maintaining training realism while removing the psychological pressure of working with expensive physical equipment. Trainees can experiment freely on the virtual machine without fear of costly mistakes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual training environment acts as a disposable, cost-free medium for practice. Unlike expensive physical machines where errors have real consequences, the digital twin can be reset and reused indefinitely, creating a comfortable environment for trial and error learning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of manufacture

If training is conducted outside the company in schools or training centres, then basic training can be provided, but the specific equipment models and company working methods are not replicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining accessibilityVSAvoidequipment specific training
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The digital twin creates an exact copy of the company's specific equipment models and working methods, allowing trainees to practice on identical virtual equipment. This maintains the accessibility of external training while ensuring complete fidelity to company-specific machinery and procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows companies to pre-configure the digital twin with their specific equipment parameters, working methods, and proprietary processes before training begins. This preliminary setup ensures that when trainees access the simulation, they are immediately working with accurate representations of company-specific systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12094361B2Assembly and method for training operators on a CNC machining device, production assembly comprising such a training assembly
Publication Date: 2024.09.17 FRAMATOME SA
  • US12094361B2 patent drawing
  • US12094361B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A CNC machining device (1) comprises a control console (3) and a CNC machine (5). A training assembly (33) for training operation of the CNC machining device includes a training control console (35) substantially identical to the control console (3) of the CNC machining device (1); a digital twin (36) of the CNC machine (5), comprising a simulator (37) configured to simulate the effect of commands from the training control console (35) on the CNC machine (5); and a display device (39) configured for a trainee to view the current state of the simulator (37).