Machine Tool Modernization Guidance for Machining Quality and Energy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tool operation methods fail to optimize machining quality, productivity, and energy efficiency, particularly in panel dividing systems, by only replacing worn parts without considering substantial functional changes.

Innovation Solution

A method that automatically determines current machining parameters, checks for potential modernization measures such as software updates, additional components, or functional changes, and suggests these to improve quality, productivity, and energy efficiency, without replacing worn parts with identical ones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If wear parts are replaced with identical but unworn parts, then machining quality is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to frequent replacements and operational downtime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining qualityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameters of the wear part by modifying its geometry (e.g., tooth profile, diameter) or material properties through modernization measures. Instead of replacing with identical parts, the system implements wear parts with altered parameters that extend service life or improve performance, thereby maintaining machining quality while reducing replacement frequency and increasing productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters (speed, feed rate, depth of cut) based on the actual condition of wear parts. By monitoring wear part status and adapting machining parameters in real-time, the system maintains machining quality even as wear parts degrade, allowing continuous operation without frequent replacements and thus improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If modernization measures are implemented on machine tools, then machining quality and productivity are improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes operational parameters (spindle speed, feed rate, depth of cut) to achieve high machining quality at lower energy consumption levels. By using modernization measures that enable precise parameter control and optimization, the system can maintain or improve machining quality while reducing energy input compared to traditional high-power machining methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces mechanical machining methods with alternative technologies such as laser cutting, plasma cutting, or waterjet cutting. These modernization measures achieve high machining quality with significantly lower energy consumption and without mechanical contact, thereby resolving the contradiction between improved machining quality and reduced energy usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If traditional operation methods are used, then energy consumption is lower, but machining quality and productivity remain suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmachining quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements modernization measures that enable precise control of machining parameters, allowing high machining quality to be achieved at optimized energy levels. Advanced sensors, actuators, and control algorithms monitor and adjust parameters in real-time, ensuring optimal energy efficiency without compromising machining quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor machining quality in real-time. This feedback is used by the control system to dynamically adjust operational parameters, maintaining high machining quality while optimizing energy consumption. The closed-loop control ensures that energy is used efficiently without sacrificing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Manufacturing precision

If wear parts are frequently replaced, then machining quality is maintained, but time is lost during replacement operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of workpieceVSAvoidwaiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements preliminary monitoring and maintenance measures by continuously tracking wear part condition through sensors. By detecting wear trends early, the system can schedule maintenance during planned downtime or automatically adjust operational parameters to compensate for wear, preventing quality degradation without unexpected stoppages for emergency replacements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts operational parameters based on the actual condition of wear parts. By monitoring wear in real-time and adjusting speed, feed rate, or depth of cut accordingly, the system maintains machining quality throughout the wear part's service life, eliminating the need for frequent replacements and reducing time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4465138A1Method for operating a machine tool, computing device and machine tool
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 HOMAG PLATTENAUFTEILTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4465138A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4465138A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4465138A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for operating a machine tool (10) comprises the following steps: Automatically determining a current value of at least one parameter; checking by a computing device (24; 44) whether a more favorable value than previously obtained for the parameter can be obtained by means of a modernization measure on the machine tool (10) for a machining process carried out, wherein the modernization measure does not include replacing a wear part with an identical but less worn part; if the check shows that a more favorable value can be obtained: automatically outputting information on the possible modernization measure.