Numerical Controller Maintenance Mode for Parameter Restoration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing numerical control systems for machine tools face challenges in reliably returning changed parameters to their original values after maintenance, which can lead to failures in normal operation modes.

Innovation Solution

A numerical controller and system that includes a mode shift part to transition the machine tool from a normal operation mode to a maintenance mode, execute maintenance operations based on predetermined contents, and automatically return to the normal mode after maintenance, ensuring that changed parameters are reset to prevent operational failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If maintenance operations are performed by shifting to maintenance mode and changing parameters, then maintenance work can be executed, but the parameters may fail to return to original values causing operational failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance executionVSAvoidparameter restoration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically restoring parameters to their original values before exiting maintenance mode. The control unit stores backup parameter values and automatically reinstates them after maintenance operations, preventing operational failures caused by parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms to verify parameter restoration. The control unit monitors parameter values and confirms successful restoration before completing the maintenance mode transition, ensuring reliability through verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of repair

If parameters are changed during maintenance mode, then maintenance operations can be performed, but the machine tool cannot perform normal operations with original parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance capabilityVSAvoidnormal operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary restoration of parameters before exiting maintenance mode. The control unit automatically reinstates original parameter values, ensuring the machine tool can immediately resume normal operations without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system discards temporary parameter changes made during maintenance and recovers the original parameter values. The control unit manages parameter versions, keeping backup copies and restoring them after maintenance completes, enabling seamless transition back to production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual parameter restoration is required after maintenance, then maintenance flexibility is maintained, but the risk of human error increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance flexibilityVSAvoidparameter restoration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically restoring parameters without manual intervention. The control unit monitors maintenance mode entry and exit, automatically backing up parameters before maintenance and restoring them afterward, eliminating human error while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback to verify successful parameter restoration. The control unit checks parameter values after restoration and confirms accuracy before completing the maintenance cycle, ensuring reliability while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11586170B2Numerical controller and numerical control system
Publication Date: 2023.02.21 FANUC LTD
  • US11586170B2 patent drawing
  • US11586170B2 patent drawing
  • US11586170B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A numerical controller, which is configured to control maintenance of a machine tool, includes a mode shift part configured to shift an operation mode of the machine tool to a maintenance mode, on the basis of input of a trigger for starting the maintenance of the machine tool, an operation execution part configured to make the machine tool operate on the basis of predetermined maintenance contents; and an output control part configured to control output of an operation result of the machine tool, as a maintenance result. The mode shift part returns the operation mode of the machine tool to a normal operation mode, after the output of the maintenance result by the output control part.