Machine Tool Power-Saving Calculation Using Energization State Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools lack an accurate and easy method to calculate power saving by shutting off energization of electric devices, as operations without and with shut-off are not executed under identical conditions, complicating the measurement process.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool with an energization signal switching unit, prohibition signal switching unit, signal determination unit, and saving calculation unit that determines the power saving state and computes device-specific power savings, allowing for accurate and easy calculation without requiring the machine tool to be operated with energization off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the machine tool is operated without shutting off energization to measure power consumption, then the power consumption data can be obtained, but the operation becomes complicated and the measurement conditions cannot be kept identical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the power consumption data by storing the power consumption values of electric devices in a storage unit. Instead of requiring actual operation without shut-off to measure power consumption, the system copies and uses stored power consumption data to calculate power saving, thereby simplifying the operation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Loss of energy
If the machine tool is operated with energization shut off to reduce power consumption, then power saving is achieved, but it becomes impossible to know the actual power saving amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the calculation unit continuously calculates power saving by comparing the actual power consumption data (stored in the storage unit) with the power consumption that would occur without shut-off. This feedback loop provides real-time information about the power saving amount, allowing the system to maintain energy efficiency while providing visibility into the actual savings achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage unit acts as an intermediary that stores power consumption data, enabling the calculation unit to access and compare power consumption values without requiring the machine tool to be operated in different states. This intermediary component facilitates accurate power saving calculation while the energization shut-off function operates independently to reduce power consumption.
3Ease of manufacture
If the machine tool requires operation in a specific state to calculate power saving, then the calculation can be performed, but the calculation process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system copies power consumption data into a storage unit, eliminating the need to actually operate the machine tool in different energization states to perform calculations. This copying approach simplifies the calculation process by using stored data rather than requiring complex operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The calculation unit automatically performs power saving calculations using the stored power consumption data and current energization status, without requiring external intervention or specific operational states. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring and calculating power saving based on available data.
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a machine tool and a method for calculating a power saving of a machine tool, with which the power saving can be calculated accurately and easily. An NC lathe 1 includes an energization signal switching unit 111 for switching an energization signal set for each electric device between an energization required state in which energization of the electric device is required, and an energization non-required state in which energization is not required, a prohibition signal switching unit 112 for switching an energization prohibition signal set for each electric device between a prohibited state in which energization of the electric device is prohibited, and a permitted state in which energization is permitted, a signal determination unit 13 that determines whether or not each electric device is in a power saving state in which the energization signal for the electric device is in the energization required state and the energization prohibition signal is in the prohibited state, and a saving calculation unit 14 that determines a cumulative duration of the power saving state, computes a device-specific power saving for each electric device on the basis of the cumulative duration, and calculates a power saving by adding together the device-specific power savings.