Machine Tool Camera Monitoring via Touch Panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machine tools with transparent windows for monitoring the working area can only monitor in one direction, limiting the ability to observe the workpiece from multiple angles, and require frequent replacement due to chip scattering and coolant issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating cameras on the inner side of the cover to capture images of the working area, which are displayed on a touch panel, allowing for multi-directional monitoring and eliminating the need for a transparent window, enabling the display of operation data and analysis of machine tool states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a transparent window is provided to monitor the working area, then the working area can be monitored, but monitoring is limited to one direction and the window requires frequent replacement due to chip scattering and coolant issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring direction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single transparent window into multiple cameras positioned at different locations within the working area. Each camera captures images from its specific viewpoint, and the touch panel displays multiple images simultaneously, enabling multi-directional monitoring without requiring a large transparent window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates visual copies of the working area from multiple perspectives by using multiple cameras. Instead of providing a single transparent window view, the system captures and displays multiple image copies on the touch panel, allowing operators to view the working area from different angles simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If a transparent window is provided to monitor the working area, then the working area can be monitored, but the window deteriorates due to chips and coolant requiring replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidwindow service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the physical transparent window with electronic image copies captured by cameras. The cameras are positioned inside the working area to capture images that are then displayed on the touch panel, eliminating the need for a transparent window that would be exposed to chips and coolant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical transparent window structure with an electronic imaging and display system. Instead of relying on a physical window that can deteriorate, the system uses cameras and digital display to provide monitoring functionality, substituting mechanical components with electronic ones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a transparent window is provided to monitor the working area, then the working area can be monitored, but the window structure limits the ability to provide comprehensive operation data and analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidoperation data

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The touch panel serves multiple functions: it displays images from multiple cameras simultaneously, shows operation data from the machine tool, and provides analysis information. This multi-functional approach replaces the single-function transparent window with a comprehensive information display system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple information sources (camera images from different angles, operation data, analysis results) into a single integrated display on the touch panel. This consolidation provides comprehensive monitoring and information access in one interface, unlike the separate transparent window and operation panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10377009B2Machine tool

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 NAKAMURATOME SEIMITSU IND

AI summary

A machine tool is configured so that a working area in which a workpiece is worked using a tool can be monitored, and includes a cover that is provided to cover the working area, and isolates the inside of the machine tool that includes the working area from the outside, at least one camera that is provided to the inner side of the cover, and captures the inside of the machine tool, and a touch panel that is provided to the cover, wherein the touch panel includes a display panel and an input operation panel, and the display panel displays an image of the inside of the machine tool that has been captured by the at least one camera.