Machine Tool Control Device Program Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional machine tool control devices require different multi-system programs for producing different-shaped products, leading to prolonged operation stop times and inefficiencies in producing multiple products sequentially.

Innovation Solution

A control device with a multi-system program storage part, a dividing part, a divided program storage part, and a machining program selection part that allows each module to execute specific machining steps using selected programs from a unified multi-system program, enabling efficient production of different-shaped products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional control device uses separate multi-system programs for each product, then each product can be produced with dedicated machining programs, but the operation stop time increases and production efficiency decreases when producing multiple different products sequentially

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct machining accuracyVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multi-system program into individual machining programs corresponding to each control system. The program storage device stores multiple multi-system programs, and the control device selectively executes only the necessary machining programs for the current product being produced. This segmentation allows the system to maintain dedicated machining programs for each product while avoiding the need to wait for complete program replacement, thereby reducing operation stop time and improving production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the control device replaces the entire multi-system program for each product, then the machining program is accurate for the specific product, but the modules cannot execute different machining steps for different products simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining program accuracyVSAvoidoperation stop time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing multiple multi-system programs in the program storage device, each containing machining programs for different products. Before production begins, the system prepares the appropriate machining programs in advance. During production, the control device can selectively execute specific machining programs from the pre-stored multi-system programs without waiting for program replacement, allowing modules to execute different machining steps for different products simultaneously and reducing operation stop time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If each module waits for the completion of the entire multi-system program execution, then program execution is complete and accurate, but the modules cannot operate independently and efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram execution completenessVSAvoidmodule operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling the control device to dynamically select and execute specific machining programs from stored multi-system programs based on the current production requirements. Each module can independently execute its assigned machining steps without waiting for other modules to complete their operations. The control device manages program execution dynamically, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple modules on different products, thereby improving overall system productivity while maintaining execution completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3205448B1Control device for machine tool
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 CITIZEN WATCH CO LTD
  • EP3205448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3205448B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3205448B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control device for a machine tool to produce a plurality of different-shaped products efficiently and successively is provided. In the control device, each driving shaft of modules M1, M2, M3 is assigned to different control systems. The device includes: a multi-system program storage part (30) for storing a plurality of multi-system programs to machine a workpiece in different shapes, a multi-system program dividing part (31) for dividing the multi-system programs into machining programs, a divided program storage part (32) for storing the divided machining programs individually, a system-based program storage part (34) for storing the machining programs for the respective control systems, and a machining program selection part (33) for selecting the machining program from the divided program storage part (32) in accordance with the machining step to be executed and for storing the selected machining program in the system-based program storage part (34) for the respective control systems.