Machine Tool Dynamic Range Display for Operator Judgment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools, such as electro-discharge machines, face challenges in determining the normal state of physical quantities like working speed, fluid pressure, and water quality, as these ranges change with working conditions, making it difficult for operators to quickly recognize abnormal states that could lead to efficiency drops or damage.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool system that includes a detecting part to monitor physical quantities, a setting part to define normal, warning, and abnormal ranges based on working conditions, and a display part to show detected values and ranges, using meter images with distinct colors for easy identification of the machine's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only detected physical quantities are displayed without range information, then the display is simple, but operators cannot easily judge if the machine is in a normal state
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple regions: a first display region showing the detected physical quantity value, and a second display region showing the normal range. This segmentation allows operators to easily compare the detected value against the normal range, solving the problem of difficult judgment while maintaining clear information presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The normal range information acts as an intermediary reference between the detected physical quantity and the operator's judgment. By displaying the normal range alongside the detected value, the system provides a reference framework that enables operators to quickly assess machine state without complex analysis.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed normal ranges are used for display, then the display is simple, but it cannot adapt to different working conditions where normal ranges change
Solution Approach 1:
The normal range is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts the normal range displayed in the second display region based on the current working conditions (rough working, finish working, etc.). This dynamic adaptation allows the display to remain accurate across different operational phases without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the detected physical quantities and working conditions inform the adjustment of normal ranges. The control unit receives information about current working conditions and automatically sets appropriate normal ranges, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing operational requirements.
3Reliability
If detailed range information is displayed for all physical quantities, then complete information is provided, but operators cannot quickly recognize abnormal states
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the display are assigned different functions and visual characteristics. The first display region presents detected values with high prominence, while the second display region presents normal range information in a complementary format. This local differentiation allows operators to quickly scan and compare values without being overwhelmed by uniform detailed information throughout the entire display.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension to the information presentation by using multiple display regions arranged in a specific layout. Rather than presenting all information in a single linear format, the detected values and normal ranges are positioned in separate regions, enabling rapid visual comparison and abnormal state detection through spatial relationships.
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to obtain a configuration allowing an operator to promptly identify whether a physical amount is within the normal range, this machine tool is configured so as to be provided with: sensors (21-25) for sensing a physical amount showing the state of the machine tool, the normal range of the physical amount changing in correspondence with the machining condition; a setting unit (20b) for setting the normal range of the physical amount corresponding to the machining condition; and a display (30) for displaying the normal range set by the setting unit (20b) alongside the sensing value sensed by the sensors (21-25).