Numerical Controller Restart Logic for Changed Machining Cycles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing numerical controllers fail to properly restart a machining program in the middle of a cycle when machining conditions change, leading to potential idling or unsafe operations due to changes in the number of blocks or tool paths.

Innovation Solution

A numerical controller that acquires a restart position within a machining area defined by the machining cycle, divides this area to create a new machining area, and restarts machining based on coordinate values or cutting depth, allowing for proper program restart even if machining conditions change.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the program restart function is implemented to resume machining from a stop position, then productivity is improved by avoiding idling, but reliability deteriorates when machining conditions change because the controller cannot properly handle changes in the number of blocks or tool paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining efficiencyVSAvoidprogram restart accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs preliminary verification of machining conditions (number of blocks, tool path) before executing program restart. This preliminary check ensures that the machining environment is suitable for restart, preventing unreliable operation while maintaining productivity benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller continuously monitors machining conditions and provides feedback to determine whether program restart is safe and appropriate. By checking if the number of blocks and tool path remain consistent, the system dynamically adjusts restart behavior to maintain reliability while preserving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual adjustment is required to check consistency of machine states before restart, then reliability improves through verification, but productivity deteriorates due to increased operational complexity and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestate consistency verificationVSAvoidrestart operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs self-verification of machining conditions automatically without requiring manual intervention. The system independently checks block count consistency and tool path validity, eliminating the need for operator involvement while maintaining reliable state verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller monitors changes in critical parameters (number of blocks, tool path definitions) and automatically determines whether program restart is appropriate. By tracking these parameter changes, the system maintains reliability through continuous verification while keeping the restart process efficient and automated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10915086B2Numerical controller capable of properly performing program restart even if machining conditions of a machining cycle are changed

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A numerical controller which performs program restart after machining is stopped in the middle of a machining cycle is provided with a program restart unit. The numerical controller can use the program restart unit to acquire a restart position located in a machining area defined by the machining cycle, create a new machining area by dividing the defined machining area in the restart position, and restart the machining for the new machining area.