Machine Tool Parameter Generation for Adaptive Machining Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tools require complex and difficult-to-interpret tuning parameters, which can be misconfigured by operators, leading to suboptimal machining performance and potential damage, and lack support for additional functions like monitoring and ancillary modules.

Innovation Solution

An extended operator support system that automatically determines machine, cycle, and ancillary module parameters based on priority values and job attributes, optimizing machining performance, safety, and efficiency by integrating an automatic tuning unit and ancillary modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If operators manually adjust tuning parameters to optimize machining performance, then machining quality and efficiency can be improved, but the complexity of parameter selection increases and risk of misconfiguration damages the machine tool

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining qualityVSAvoidparameter selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation by automatically determining optimal machine parameters, cycle parameters, and ancillary module parameters based on job attributes and target values, eliminating the need for operators to manually configure complex parameters while maintaining optimized machining performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The extended operator support system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex control system, translating simple operator inputs (job attributes and target value priorities) into optimized parameter configurations, thereby shielding operators from parameter complexity while achieving optimization goals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple predefined tuning configurations are preinstalled by the factory, then operators can activate appropriate configurations for different machining processes, but the system cannot be optimized for specific machining processes and requires operators to select from compromises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining process adaptabilityVSAvoidmachining optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static predefined configurations to dynamic parameter determination, where parameters are automatically optimized in real-time based on specific job attributes and target value priorities, enabling both adaptability to different processes and optimization for each specific machining task

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters dynamically based on input data (job attributes and target value priorities) rather than using fixed predefined configurations, allowing optimal parameter sets to be generated for each specific machining process while maintaining versatility across different processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If machine tools integrate additional functions like monitoring systems, then machine performance is improved by enhancing sensing, actuating, or computing capabilities, but the number of parameters to be determined increases and creates additional challenges for operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine performanceVSAvoidparameter determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extended operator support system provides universal parameter determination capabilities that cover not only basic machine parameters and cycle parameters but also ancillary module parameters for monitoring and additional functions, consolidating parameter management into a single automated system that handles all parameter types uniformly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments parameter determination into three distinct categories (machine parameters, cycle parameters, and ancillary module parameters), each automatically determined based on job attributes and target values, thereby organizing the complexity into manageable segments while maintaining automated optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4636516A1A method of generating parameters applied for machining a workpiece performed by a machine tool
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 UNITED MACHINING MILL AG
  • EP4636516A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4636516A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4636516A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is related to a method for generating parameters applied for machining operations conducted by a machine tool. The method comprises: a. providing priority values for at least two mutually dependent target values representing the machining performance comprising accuracy, surface finish, machining time as input data to an extended operator support system (1), wherein at least one priority value is automatically determined by an automatic tuning unit; b. providing at least one of job attributes comprising complexity and workpiece weight as input data to the extended operator support system; c. automatically determining cycle parameters, machine parameters and the ancillary module parameters as output data of the extended operator support system based on the priority values and the job attributes by the extended operator support system, wherein the machine parameters and cycle parameters are applied for a primary control unit (2) configured to control the movement of the different axes to perform the machining and the ancillary module parameters are applied for a plurality of ancillary modules which are configured to conduct the operations for supporting the machining.