Control Device Optimizer for Automated Axis Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for machines with position-controlled axes require precise operator input for motion definitions, which is not necessary for all automation tasks, and struggle to convert user-defined technological quantities into axis movements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control device that determines optimized variables for axis movements based on an optimization problem, using an optimizer to solve the specific technological problem and store these variables for later use, allowing for automated optimization of machine control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the operator specifies precise motion values for position-controlled axes, then the machine can accurately traverse the defined geometry, but the operator must input precision that is not required for many automation tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically determines optimized motion values for position-controlled axes by solving an optimization problem, eliminating the need for the operator to manually specify precise motion parameters. The system serves itself by autonomously calculating the required axis movements based on technological quantities and optimization criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the problem from specifying precise motion parameters (position, velocity, acceleration profiles) to specifying technological quantities (e.g., reshaping velocity, stroke number). The optimization device then converts these technological parameters into the required axis motion parameters automatically.
2Productivity
If the control device stores optimized variables in memory, then the system can accept execution commands efficiently, but the device requires additional memory resources
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary calculation by determining and storing the optimized motion variables in memory before execution commands are received. This pre-computation allows the system to quickly retrieve and execute stored variables without performing complex optimization calculations in real-time, thereby improving productivity.
3Device complexity
If an optimization algorithm is executed off-line, then the control device can be simpler, but the file cannot be modified by the operator and requires separate processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optimization algorithm with the control device, merging previously separate functions (offline optimization and online control) into a single integrated system. This allows the control device to perform real-time optimization while maintaining the ability to accept and process operator commands and modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both executing optimization algorithms and accepting operator modifications to the optimization parameters. The device can switch between automatic optimization mode and manual parameter adjustment mode, providing versatility in handling different operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for a machine, with at least one axis, is configured to accept first parameters and to render a first general technological problem as a first specific technological problem. The control device is configured to determine once in advance, for a sequence of values of a position or a temporal derivation of the position of the axis of the machine, a number of variables assigned to the respective value, to solve the first specific technological problem in an optimum way. The control device is configured to store the assigned variables in a memory and, after the storage of the assigned variables, is configured to accept a first execution command. Based upon the first execution command, it is configured to output the sequence of values to the axis and during output, is configured to activate the machine in accordance with the number of variables assigned to the respective value.