Machine Tool Module Control for Interference-Free Workpiece Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools face challenges in smoothly moving two movable modules to facing positions relative to a fixed module during workpiece transfer, leading to potential interference and inefficient processing.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool with a control system that restricts the movement of one movable module to a facing position while allowing the other to move based on processing determinations, ensuring only one module moves to the facing position at a time, prioritizing movements based on processing status and sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If both movable modules are allowed to move simultaneously to facing positions, then parallel processing efficiency is improved, but interference between modules occurs and movement smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control means dynamically adjusts the movement permissions of the two movable modules based on real-time processing status. The restriction on the second movable module is dynamically applied or released according to whether the first movable module has completed its processing, enabling smooth coordinated movement while maintaining parallel processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control means acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the two movable modules and the fixed module. It determines which module should move based on processing status and issues corresponding movement commands, preventing interference while enabling efficient parallel operations
2Productivity
If the restriction on the second movable module is released early, then parallel processing speed is improved, but module interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control means continuously monitors the processing status of the first movable module and uses this feedback to determine when to release the restriction on the second movable module. The restriction is released only after confirming that the first module has completed processing, ensuring no interference occurs while maximizing parallel processing speed
3Reliability
If strict sequential control is applied to prevent interference, then module collision is avoided, but processing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of strict sequential control, the system uses dynamic conditional control where the second movable module's movement permission changes based on real-time processing completion status. This allows parallel processing when safe and sequential control when necessary, maintaining both reliability and efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A machine tool (1) includes a plurality of modules (MD1 to MD4), and a control means (5) for controlling operation of the modules (MD1 to MD4), wherein the plurality of modules (MD1 to MD4) include a fixed module (MD3) and two movable modules (MD2, MD4). The control means (5) includes a restriction means (5a) for restricting the movement of the two movable modules (MD2, MD4) for allowing only one of the movable modules to be moved to a facing position (A) facing the fixed module (MD3); and a determination means (5b) for determining the movable module (MD2, MD4) to be moved to the facing position (A). The control means (5) is configured to control the operation of the plurality of modules (MD1 to MD4) so that, when the operation under cooperation of the fixed module (MD3) and one of the movable modules (MD2, MD4) has been completed, the restriction means (5a) releases the restriction of the movement of the other movable module (MD2, MD4) to the facing position (A).