Machine Tool Motion Control for Overlapping Feed Movements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tools face inefficiencies in cycle time optimization due to non-overlapping movements of the tool and workpiece, which can lead to suboptimal cutting path strategies.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool design that includes a control unit to manage simultaneous movements of the spindle and table in intersecting directions, allowing for overlapping movements and speed control between cutting positions, optimizing the tool's path through sequential processes and control modes to enhance cutting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the tool movement path is optimized with temporal overlap of vertical and horizontal movements, then cycle time is shortened, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit starts the second process (tool movement in vertical direction) before the first process (positioning in horizontal direction) is completely finished. This preliminary overlapping of operations allows the tool to begin its vertical movement while the table is still positioning the workpiece, thereby shortening the total cycle time without requiring complex real-time coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous useful action by overlapping the execution of multiple processes. The tool distal end moves vertically while the table simultaneously positions the workpiece horizontally, ensuring that both operations are performed in continuous overlap rather than sequentially, maximizing productivity without idle time
2Productivity
If the table and spindle move simultaneously in multiple directions, then cutting efficiency is enhanced, but the precision of positioning may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the positions of both the table and spindle during simultaneous movement and dynamically adjusts their speeds and trajectories. This feedback mechanism ensures that despite the complexity of simultaneous multi-directional movement, the tool accurately reaches the predetermined cutting positions with required precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic speed adjustment during simultaneous movement. The control unit varies the speeds of the table and spindle based on real-time position feedback and predetermined optimal paths, allowing the system to adaptively maintain positioning precision while achieving high cutting efficiency through coordinated motion
3Productivity
If the tool moves at high speed between cutting positions, then productivity increases, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic acceleration and deceleration patterns during tool movement. Instead of maintaining constant high speed, the system accelerates the tool to high speed during transit between cutting positions and decelerates when approaching cutting positions or when the table positioning is not yet complete. This periodic speed variation reduces overall power consumption and heat generation while maintaining high productivity during the cutting operations themselves
Data Source
AI summary
The machine tool includes a table, a spindle, first and second feed motors relatively moves the table and the spindle in a first direction and a second direction, and a control unit which positions cutting positions of a workpiece with respect to a tool by controlling the first feed motor, and moves a distal end of the tool between a distant position and a predetermined depth position of the workpiece by controlling the second feed motor, and the control unit performs a process in which the cutting position is positioned after cutting of the cutting position is completed, a second process in which the distal end of the tool is moved from the distant position to the predetermined depth position, and a third process in which the distal end of the tool is moved from the predetermined depth position to the distant position.