Machine Tool Interface Layout for Accurate Multi-Head Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In machine tools with multiple machining devices, similar configurations of grinding wheel heads can lead to user errors due to confusion between operation buttons and information displays, resulting in unintended operation of one grinding wheel head instead of the intended one.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design where operation sections and switching buttons are displayed on a display operation device in the same direction and order as the actual arrangement of the machining devices, allowing users to visually associate the operation sections with their corresponding devices, thereby reducing erroneous operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple machining devices with similar configurations are provided, then productivity and functionality are improved, but user recognition and operation accuracy deteriorate due to confusion between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the display interface unique to each machining device through device-specific icons and visual elements. Each device's operation screen contains distinctive graphical representations that correspond to that specific device, allowing users to immediately recognize which device they are controlling even when multiple similar devices are present. This localized visual identification resolves the confusion caused by device similarity while maintaining the benefits of having multiple devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple machining devices with similar configurations are provided, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in identifying the correct device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes and visual differentiation in the display interface to enhance ease of operation. Each machining device is represented by distinct visual elements, icons, and potentially color-coded interfaces on the operation screen. This visual differentiation allows users to quickly and intuitively identify the correct device without confusion, making the system as easy to operate as a single-device system while maintaining the versatility of multiple devices.
3Device complexity
If standard operation interfaces are used for multiple machining devices, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of device selection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual layer between the user and the machining devices through the display interface. This intermediary layer presents device-specific icons, graphical representations, and visual identifiers that mediate the user's selection process. The standard operation interface is enhanced with these visual intermediaries that clearly indicate which device will be controlled, ensuring accurate device selection without adding complexity to the underlying device architecture or control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine tool suppresses the occurrence of erroneous operation on machining devices when a display operation device receives operations for the multiple machining devices. A control device of the machine tool displays a first operation section and a switching button on the display operation device. The first operation section is an operation section configured to receive operation instructions for a first machining device. The switching button is a button configured to switch a state in which the first operation section is displayed on the display operation device to a state in which a second operation section configured to receive operation instructions for a second machining device is displayed on the display operation device. The control device displays the first operation section and the switching button on the display operation device in a direction and an order in which the first machining device and the second machining device are arranged.