Machine Tool Control for Dynamic Weight-Based Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of machine tools face difficulties in estimating waste and good component quantities during processing, leading to inefficient container management and reduced dynamic capability due to increased workpiece weight, particularly with thick metal sheets.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer program product that adjust machine tool control parameters based on the quantity of waste and good components discharged during processing, allowing for dynamic changes in container management and processing speed/acceleration, enabling precise waste estimation and remuneration calculation by determining and storing component quantities in the NC program before processing begins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the maximum permissible speed or maximum acceleration is used for processing thick metal sheets, then the processing time is reduced, but the dynamic capability of the machine tool is reduced due to increased workpiece weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the control parameters (speed and acceleration) variable rather than fixed. The machine tool control system dynamically adjusts these parameters based on the current workpiece weight, which changes as material is removed during processing. This allows the system to optimize for speed when the workpiece is light while maintaining reliability when the workpiece is heavy, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If employees manually estimate waste and good component quantities, then no additional measurement equipment is needed, but the precision of waste and component quantity determination is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the machine tool control system to automatically determine and track waste and good component quantities through integrated sensors and measurement devices. The system self-monitors the processing operation, automatically calculates material removal quantities, and determines waste volumes without requiring manual estimation by employees. This resolves the contradiction by automating the measurement process, improving precision while keeping the system relatively simple through integration with existing machine tool controls.
3Productivity
If container changes are delayed until maximum weight is reached, then the number of container changes is reduced, but the risk of exceeding maximum permissible weights for transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a monitoring system that continuously tracks the weight of waste and good components in containers. The control system receives feedback from weight sensors and automatically alerts operators or automatically initiates container changes when predetermined weight thresholds are approached. This resolves the contradiction by providing real-time information about container weights, allowing the system to optimize the timing of container changes to minimize interruptions while ensuring compliance with transport weight limits.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and related computer program products for processing a workpiece on a machine tool, including changing at least one control parameter of the machine tool based on a quantity of waste and/or good components discharged from the machine tool during processing of the workpiece, the at least one control parameter causing a change of at least one waste and/or good component container of the machine tool, wherein the quantity of waste and/or good components generated as a function of time during processing of the workpiece is determined before processing of the workpiece begins, and is stored in a numerical control program of the machine tool.