Machine Tool Load Display for High-Load Tool Identification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Operators face difficulties in identifying high-load tools and determining the reasons for high tool loads during machining operations, as existing systems lack effective methods for analyzing and displaying tool load information in a comprehensive and intuitive manner.

Innovation Solution

A tool load displaying method that inputs machining programs, calculates load information, and displays tools based on selected load values, including machining processes, cutting parameters, and time-series cutting power parameters, allowing for easy identification of high-load tools and processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If comprehensive load information is calculated for each tool, then the ability to identify high-load tools is improved, but the complexity of the display system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool load identification accuracyVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display system segments tool load information by presenting multiple different load metrics (cutting power, usage time, accumulated load) as separate selectable parameters. This allows the system to provide comprehensive analysis capabilities while keeping the interface simple by displaying one metric at a time based on user selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a temporal dimension by displaying tools in chronological order of their usage, and allows switching between different load measurement dimensions (instantaneous cutting power vs. accumulated load). This multi-dimensional approach enables comprehensive identification without increasing interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If multiple load information parameters are displayed simultaneously, then the completeness of information is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidinterface usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display interface is dynamic, allowing operators to select which load parameter to view (cutting power, usage time, accumulated load) based on their current needs. The system adapts the displayed information type rather than presenting all parameters simultaneously, maintaining simplicity while providing access to complete information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts and displays one specific load parameter at a time based on user selection, rather than overwhelming the operator with all parameters simultaneously. Each parameter can be viewed in isolation for detailed analysis, improving operational ease while maintaining information completeness through selective display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If detailed machining process information is displayed for each tool, then the ability to determine causes of high load is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecause analysis capabilityVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and stores multiple load parameters (cutting power, usage time, accumulated load) and associated machining process information for each tool during the machining operation. When an operator selects a tool, all relevant information is already prepared and can be displayed immediately without increasing system complexity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3979015B1Machine tool, tool load display method for machine tool, and program for machine tool
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 YAMAZAKI MAZAK KK
  • EP3979015B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3979015B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3979015B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tool load displaying method for a machine tool includes: inputting a machining program that specifies a plurality of tools used in machining work and at least one machining process included in the machining work performed using each tool of the plurality of tools; calculating at least one piece of load information for the tool based on the machining program; and displaying the plurality of tools in turn based on a value of selected load information that is one of the at least one piece of load information.