Machine Tool Power Failure Recovery System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine tool systems require manual restart and labor-intensive procedures after power failures, leading to inefficiencies and potential tool damage during resumed machining, as they do not account for tool malfunctions or momentary power failures.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool equipped with a power failure detection unit, an auxiliary power source, and an abnormality determining unit that allows for automatic resumption of machining after power recovery, preventing unnecessary restarts and tool damage by assessing the tool's state and operation information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the machine tool is manually restarted after power failure, then the system can be restored to working condition, but time and labor are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem restorationVSAvoidrestart time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit records operation information (machining program, tool positions, feed rates) in a recording unit during normal operation. When power failure occurs, this pre-recorded information enables automatic resumption without manual intervention, eliminating restart time while ensuring system restoration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The machine tool system automatically detects power failure through the power failure detection unit, switches to auxiliary power source, evaluates tool condition via abnormality determining unit, and resumes machining autonomously. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual operator intervention in the restart process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If machining is automatically resumed after power recovery, then productivity is improved, but tool damage may occur if tool malfunction is not detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining resumptionVSAvoidtool damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The abnormality determining unit evaluates tool condition by analyzing recorded operation information after power failure. This feedback mechanism identifies tool malfunctions (breakage, wear, positioning errors) before machining resumes, preventing tool damage while enabling automatic productivity recovery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of tool condition using the abnormality determining unit before automatically resuming machining. This preliminary check ensures tool safety while maintaining productivity, resolving the contradiction between rapid resumption and damage prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of energy

If the machine tool stops operation during power failure, then power consumption is reduced, but machining time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmachining duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The machine tool system automatically detects power failure and switches to auxiliary power source without complete shutdown. The control unit maintains operational state using recorded information, enabling continuous machining during brief power interruptions and reducing both energy loss and total machining duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If the operator manually checks tool condition after power failure, then tool safety is ensured, but operation time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool safetyVSAvoidchecking time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The abnormality determining unit automatically evaluates tool condition by analyzing recorded operation information, replacing manual operator checks. This self-diagnosis ensures tool safety while eliminating the time required for manual inspection, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10110157B2Machine tool

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A machine tool includes a drive unit driving a tool for machining a workpiece, and a control unit controlling the drive unit. The machine tool further includes an abnormality determining unit that determines whether machining can be continued, based on operation information of the drive unit, and a power failure detection unit that switches the power source of the control unit from a normal power supply unit to an emergency power supply unit if power failure is detected, and switches the power source from the emergency power supply unit to the normal power supply unit if recovery of power supply is detected after power failure. The control unit stops operation of the drive unit when power failure is detected, and thereafter, if recovery of power supply is detected, and the abnormality determining unit determines that machining can be continued, the control unit drives the drive unit, thereby automatically resuming machining.