CNC Restart Block Selection on Machining Path Graphics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional numerical controllers require operators to manually search and set restart blocks in machining programs, making it difficult to intuitively identify the correct restart position on the actual machining path after program interruption, leading to a complex restart procedure.

Innovation Solution

A numerical controller with a display unit showing machining path graphics, a machining program analysis unit, and a restart position candidate setting unit that visually displays and allows selection of restart positions, simplifying the restart process by identifying and setting restart blocks directly on the machining path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If operators manually search and set restart blocks in machining programs, then the restart function is available, but the procedure becomes complex and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of restart operationVSAvoidcomplexity of restart procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the display unit, machining program analysis unit, and restart position candidate setting unit that mediates between the operator and the machining program. This intermediary automatically analyzes the program, identifies restart positions, and presents them visually on the machining path graphic screen, eliminating the need for operators to manually search through program code and reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the machining program analysis unit to automatically analyze the program structure, identify interruption points, and generate restart position candidates without operator intervention. The display unit then automatically presents these candidates on the graphic screen, making the restart process self-serve and reducing the burden on operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If operators manually search through machining programs to find restart positions, then restart functionality is achieved, but time is lost in the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestart efficiencyVSAvoidtime to set restart position

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by having the machining program analysis unit continuously analyze the program structure and pre-identify potential restart positions during normal operation. When an interruption occurs, the restart position candidate setting unit immediately generates candidates based on pre-analyzed program data, and the display unit presents them on the graphic screen, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual search and enabling rapid restart

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11215964B2Numerical controller

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A numerical controller comprises a restart position candidate setting unit configured to store information on a block serving as a restart position candidate where machining is to be restarted, on the basis of a result of an analysis of a machining program, a block head position drawing unit configured to draw, when the machining is interrupted, a machining position corresponding to a head of the block serving as a restart position candidate stored by the restart position candidate setting unit, on the machining path displayed on a machining path graphic screen, and a restart block setting unit configured to set a block corresponding to a machining position designated by a user from among the machining positions drawn by the block head position drawing unit, as a restart block.