Graphical CNC-Robot Programming With Mobile G-Code Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing numerical control machine tool systems lack flexibility and convenience in programming, requiring significant time and economic costs for initial setup and reprogramming when factory environments change, due to fixed personal computer programming and extensive manual configuration of motion models.

Innovation Solution

A programming method and apparatus for a numerical control machine tool system that includes a mobile terminal, controller, and robot, allowing for wireless configuration of graphical motion models, conversion to G-code, and simulation animation generation to improve automation and reduce costs, with optional cloud or edge computing for enhanced efficiency and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed personal computer programming is used, then programming can be performed, but flexibility and convenience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogramming convenienceVSAvoidprogramming flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from fixed PC programming to mobile terminal programming, making the programming interface dynamic and movable. The mobile terminal can be positioned anywhere in the factory environment, allowing programmers to work flexibly at the actual equipment location rather than being confined to a fixed computer station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal serves as an intermediary device between the programmer and the CNC-robot system. It provides a wireless communication interface that mediates between the user and the control system, enabling flexible programming without direct physical connection constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration of motion models is required, then precise control can be achieved, but time and economic costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion model accuracyVSAvoidprogramming time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures motion models and functional modules before actual programming occurs. These pre-established models can be directly applied to specific equipment and processes, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining precision through the structured framework of pre-defined motion parameters and relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes copying mechanisms where standard motion models and functional modules can be replicated and applied across different equipment instances. Once a motion model is configured for one CNC-robot system, it can be copied and adapted for similar systems, significantly reducing reprogramming time while maintaining consistency and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If control system reprogramming is performed for environmental changes, then adaptability is improved, but additional time and economic costs are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidreprogramming time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The programming system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable to environmental changes. The mobile terminal allows programmers to access and modify motion models directly at the equipment location, enabling quick adjustments when factory environments change without requiring extensive reprogramming or system reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The motion models and functional modules are designed with universal applicability, allowing the same framework to adapt to different environmental configurations. The system can handle various CNC machine tools and robot types through a unified programming interface, reducing the need for complete reprogramming when environmental conditions change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If extensive manual configuration is performed, then system control precision is maintained, but automation degree is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidprogramming automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration of motion models and functional modules automatically, reducing the need for manual intervention. The pre-configured frameworks include standardized parameters and relationships that maintain control precision while eliminating repetitive manual configuration tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates self-service capabilities where the programming interface automatically generates and configures motion models based on selected functional modules. The system can autonomously establish parameter relationships and control settings, maintaining precision through built-in validation rules while significantly reducing manual configuration requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4050440A1A smart programming method for integrated CNC-robot
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4050440A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4050440A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4050440A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The present invention provides a programming method for a numerical control machine tool system, the numerical control machine tool system including a mobile terminal, a controller, a robot, and a numerical control machine tool, the mobile terminal being wirelessly connected to the controller, the controller being configured to control the robot and the numerical control machine tool, and the robot and the numerical control machine tool being configured to work cooperatively to process a workpiece, where the programming method includes: loading, at the mobile terminal, a preset motion model of the robot and the numerical control machine tool, where the preset motion model is a plurality of graphical functional modules and a connection between the plurality of graphical functional modules; receiving a graphical programming instruction for a user to configure the preset motion model using the mobile terminal; and converting the graphical programming instruction into G-code, where the G-code is used by the controller to control the robot and the numerical control machine tool to process the workpiece.