Machine Tool Illuminator for One-Block Stop Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tools do not effectively notify operators of the completion of one block of an NC program while operating in one-block stop mode, leading to potential unnecessary operation of manual parts as operators may not immediately notice the completion within the machining chamber.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a notification unit within the machining chamber that utilizes an illuminator to change its illumination state, such as reducing luminescence or blinking, to inform operators of the completion of one block of the NC program, allowing them to notice without looking at an external operation panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the notification is displayed on the operation panel outside the machining chamber, then the notification can be shown clearly, but the worker cannot notice it immediately while observing the interior of the machining chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator acts as an intermediary device that conveys notification information from the control system to the worker through visual changes in the machining chamber environment. Instead of directly displaying information on an external panel, the system uses the illuminator to transmit completion status as visual cues (brightness changes, color changes, or blinking patterns) that the worker can perceive while observing the machining chamber interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification is moved from the external operation panel dimension to the internal machining chamber dimension. By placing the notification function within the machining chamber through the illuminator, the system allows workers to receive notifications in the same spatial dimension where they are already focused (observing the machining process), eliminating the need to shift attention to an external panel.
2Reliability
If the worker focuses on observing the interior of the machining chamber, then the worker can monitor the machining process, but the worker may not notice the completion notification displayed on the external operation panel
Solution Approach 1:
The notification function is merged with the existing illuminator system in the machining chamber. Instead of separating the notification display from the machining observation area, the system combines both functions by using the illuminator (which is already part of the machining chamber environment) to convey notification information. This allows workers to simultaneously monitor the machining process and receive notifications without dividing attention or shifting focus between separate locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminator serves as an intermediary that delivers notification information within the machining chamber environment. This intermediary approach allows the notification to be transmitted through the same medium (light) and space (machining chamber) that the worker is already using to monitor the machining process, making the notification inherently integrated with the observation activity.
3Loss of time
If a separate notification display is added inside the machining chamber, then the worker can notice completion immediately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator is given multiple functions: it continues to serve its primary purpose of illuminating the machining chamber for process observation, and simultaneously serves as a notification device by varying its illumination characteristics (brightness, color, blinking patterns) to indicate program block completion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate notification displays, sensors, or additional components, thereby avoiding increased device complexity while achieving immediate worker awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing illuminator system serves itself by dual-purpose operation. Instead of requiring a separate dedicated notification device, the illuminator leverages its own capability to emit light and create visual effects to convey notification information. The system uses existing infrastructure (the illuminator) to provide the notification function, avoiding the need for additional service components or complex integrated systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables operators to easily recognize the completion of one block of the NC program while observing the machining chamber, improving operational efficiency and reducing unnecessary manual operations by providing a visual notification within the workspace.
Implementation Method 1
The notification unit includes the illuminator... configured to issue a notification by changing an illumination state in the machining chamber achieved by the illuminator... configured to reduce the amount of luminescence of the illuminator... configured to blink the illuminator
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool includes a machining chamber, an illuminator in the machining chamber, and an NC unit. The NC unit includes a manual execution unit for executing the machining operation via a pulse signal generated in response to operation of a manually operated part, and has a one-block stop mode in which the NC program is executed for one block and then stopped. A notification unit issues a notification of completion of the execution of one block of the NC program while the machining operation is executed manually using the manual execution unit in the one-block stop mode, and the notification unit includes the illuminator. A change in the illumination state of the illuminator enables an operator to observe the interior of the machining chamber continuously while being notified of the completion of the execution of the one block of the NC program.