CNC Tool Management Algorithm for Automatic Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
CNC machine operators face inefficiencies and errors in manually determining and matching tools required for part programs with the available tools on the machine, leading to slow and error-prone processes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where the CNC machine maintains information on available tools and their locations, executing an algorithm to match needed tools with available ones, allowing part programs to run on machines with different tool configurations without manual changes or program modifications, and enabling virtual operations for unavailable tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operator manually determines and matches tools required by part programs with available tools on the machine, then the process can be completed with basic machine functionality, but the process becomes slow and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically performing tool matching without operator intervention. The processor compares tool requirements from part programs against the tool library and automatically identifies matches, allowing the machine to serve itself in the tool management task.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of tool matching is replaced with an automated information processing system. The processor uses stored tool data and program requirements to automatically perform comparisons and identifications that previously required manual operator actions.
2Ease of operation
If the operator manually modifies part programs to reflect actual tool locations, then the program can execute correctly, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing tool information in the tool library before part program execution. This advance preparation of tool data eliminates the need for manual program modifications during setup, as the system already has the necessary information ready for automatic matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically adapting part programs to actual tool locations without operator intervention. The processor compares program tool requirements with available tools and automatically adjusts the program execution plan.
3Extent of automation
If the machine maintains detailed information about available tools and their locations, then automatic tool matching becomes possible, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool library serves multiple functions: storing tool information, enabling automatic matching, supporting virtual operations for unavailable tools, and providing data for program adaptation. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating various tool management tasks into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool library acts as an intermediary between part programs and physical tools. It stores and manages tool information, serving as a database that mediates the matching process between program requirements and actual tool availability, simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows part programs to run on machines with different tool configurations, then versatility is improved, but the matching algorithm complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool library and matching algorithm are designed to be universal, working with any machine configuration by storing comprehensive tool information and comparing it against program requirements. This universality enables the system to adapt to different machine setups without requiring configuration-specific logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system handles configuration flexibility by changing parameters - comparing tool requirements and actual availability, then adapting the program execution based on parameter differences. The matching algorithm dynamically adjusts to different tool configurations by evaluating tool characteristics and locations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method for tool use management wherein a CNC machine retains information identifying the tools associated with the machine as well as their current locations (if any), and executes an algorithm for determining the source tools needed by a part program and matching the source tools with the available tools.