CNC Control Software Backplane for Flexible Machine Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for programming and integrating electronically cammed CNC machines are inflexible and do not allow users to fully leverage the increased customization and flexibility these machines offer, requiring extensive custom code rewriting and manual reprogramming for changes.
Innovation Solution
A system with a software backplane that interfaces with configurable applications, allowing for modular and self-contained control of tooling components, sensors, and motion systems, enabling configuration of applications for specific tasks without reprogramming the entire system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If known methods of programming and integrating CNC machines are used, then the system can be programmed and integrated, but the system cannot take full advantage of the flexibility and customization inherent in electronically cammed machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control software into modular components including a software backplane, electronic camming module, and configurable application programs. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently configured, allowing the system to leverage electronic camming flexibility without requiring complete custom programming for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The software backplane provides a universal platform that can support multiple different applications and configurations. The electronic camming module serves multiple functions by coordinating movements between different devices and components, reducing the need for application-specific custom code while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom code is written to control hardware actuators, then the CNC machine can be programmed, but any changes require rewriting, uploading, testing, and debugging the custom code
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by providing pre-configured electronic camming profiles and standardized application programs that can be selected and modified for different tasks. This eliminates the need to write custom code from scratch for each application, significantly reducing programming time while maintaining customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by allowing users to replicate and modify existing electronic camming profiles and application programs for different applications. Instead of writing unique custom code for each task, users can copy proven configurations and adapt them, reducing development time and testing requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronically cammed machines are used, then flexibility and customization are increased, but known programming methods fail to allow users to take full advantage of these increases
Solution Approach 1:
The software backplane acts as an intermediary layer between the hardware actuators and the user-level application programming. It provides standardized interfaces and abstraction layers that simplify electronic camming configuration, making the system easier to program while fully utilizing the flexibility of electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic camming module provides self-service by automatically coordinating the synchronization between master and slave devices based on configured parameters. This eliminates the need for complex manual programming of synchronization logic, making the system easier to operate while maintaining full electronic camming capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described systems and methods for programming and configuring part-processing devices and production stations. Methods of programming the control system of a part-processing device for controlling one or more tooling components, sensors and/or motion systems includes the step of loading a software backplane onto the control system, the software backplane being configured to run on an operating system of the control system and to interface with one or more configurable applications. The method also comprises the step of loading one or more configurable applications associated with the one or more tooling components onto the control system, the one or more applications being configured to interface with the software backplane. The method also comprises the step of configuring the one or more configurable applications to control the one or more tooling components, sensors and/or motion systems pf the part-processing device.