Programmable Controller Extra-Time Scheduling for Multipath CNC Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programmable controllers in CNC systems face inefficiencies due to fixed allocation of executable time, leading to wasted 'extra time' when scanning times of sequence programs fluctuate, especially in multipath operations, resulting in suboptimal operation synchronization with CNC distribution cycles.
Innovation Solution
A programmable controller dynamically allocates extra time to sequence programs by measuring remaining time after primary executions and allows for conditional execution of secondary programs based on set flags and priority orders within the allocation table, enabling flexible and efficient use of unused time without altering the starting timing of sequence programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If executable time is fixedly allocated to multiple sequence programs at a predetermined ratio, then the operation of the programmable controller can be synchronized with the distribution cycle of the CNC, but extra time is frequently generated when the scanning time of each sequence program fluctuates, resulting in inefficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the allocation of executable time flexible rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the time allocation for each sequence program based on the actual scanning time consumed in the previous operation cycle. This allows the system to adapt to fluctuating scanning times while maintaining synchronization with the CNC distribution cycle, thereby eliminating wasted extra time and improving operational efficiency.
2Productivity
If the scanning time of sequence programs is sufficiently small with respect to one executable time, then the programmable controller may perform the scanning of the sequence program a plurality of times, but when the scanning time is short in a halfway manner, the scanning cannot be performed for the second time in the remaining time, causing the remaining extra time to become a waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by continuously utilizing the executable time for productive scanning operations. When a sequence program completes scanning with remaining time, the system immediately allocates this remaining time to the next sequence program or allows repeated scanning of the current program if conditions permit. This continuous utilization eliminates idle extra time and maximizes the number of productive scanning executions within each operation cycle.
3Ease of operation
If a plurality of sequence programs of a plurality of units are parallelly executed by allocating the executable time at a predetermined ratio, then the operation can be coordinated, but extra time is frequently generated when the scanning time of each sequence program fluctuates due to peripheral equipment situations and processing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the actual scanning time information from each operation cycle to adjust the time allocation for the next operation cycle. The controller monitors the scanning time consumed by each sequence program and uses this feedback to dynamically reallocate the executable time in subsequent cycles. This feedback mechanism ensures that time allocation adapts to fluctuating scanning requirements caused by peripheral equipment situations and processing conditions, eliminating wasted extra time while maintaining coordinated parallel execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable controller allocates times obtained by dividing executable time in one operation cycle to a plurality of paths, executes sequence programs of the paths within the respective allocated times, and measures extra time that is a remainder of each of the allocation times when execution of each of the sequence programs ends. Then, the programmable controller determines whether a predetermined sequence program is to be executed in the measured extra time, and instructs the sequence execution unit to execute the predetermined sequence program in the extra time in accordance with a result of the determination.