Machine Tool Control Device Inspection Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control devices for machine tools do not clearly indicate which portions of a machined workpiece need to be measured or how to measure them, making it difficult for operators to determine if the correct measurements are being taken accurately.

Innovation Solution

A control device for machine tools that includes a storing section for an inspection item list associated with the machining program and a displaying section to clearly show the inspection items, allowing operators to understand what and how to measure, facilitating accurate inspections without omission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If measurement data is stored and displayed in the NC device, then measurement results can be recorded and shown, but the operator cannot clearly understand which portions to measure and how to measure them

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement information completenessVSAvoidoperator understanding of inspection
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection information is segmented into distinct components: inspection items (what to measure), inspection methods (how to measure), and measurement results. This segmentation is displayed in a structured list format on the display unit, allowing operators to clearly understand each aspect of the inspection process separately rather than as undifferentiated data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection item list is prepared and displayed before the actual measurement process begins. This preliminary display of inspection items and methods enables operators to understand the required measurements in advance, plan their inspection approach, and ensure they have the necessary measuring tools and procedures ready

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automatic measurement and storage is implemented, then measurement efficiency increases, but inspection accuracy and completeness decrease due to lack of operator guidance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidinspection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to operators by displaying the inspection item list and measurement results on the display unit. This feedback mechanism allows operators to verify that measurements are being taken correctly, compare results against expected values, and make adjustments as needed, thereby maintaining inspection accuracy while benefiting from automated measurement capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10599128B2Control device for a machine tool
Publication Date: 2020.03.24 MAKINO MILLING MASCH CO LTD
  • US10599128B2 patent drawing
  • US10599128B2 patent drawing
  • US10599128B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control apparatus for controlling a machine tool on the basis of a machining program is provided with: a storage unit which stores an inspection item list for a workpiece, said inspection item list being associated with the machining program; and a display unit which, when the machining program is executed, displays the stored inspection items associated with the machining program.