Machine Tool Power-Saving Control With Switchable Device Shutdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control devices for machine tools in power saving mode cannot allow operators to easily switch desired devices ON or OFF, as they are determined by pre-set parameters and cannot be changed by user input.

Innovation Solution

A control device that enables operators to turn off multiple devices with a single operation and allows easy change settings for specifying which devices to turn off by receiving and processing user instructions, with storage for setting information to manage device states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If devices are turned OFF based on pre-set parameter sets in power saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the operator cannot turn ON desired devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice control flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two operational states: in the first state, devices are controlled according to pre-set parameter sets for power saving; in the second state, all devices can be individually turned ON/OFF. This dynamic state transition allows the system to adapt between power saving mode and full control mode, resolving the contradiction between energy reduction and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the control parameter state by introducing a second parameter set that overrides the first parameter set. When the second parameter set is activated, it enables individual device control regardless of the power saving settings, thus allowing parameter transformation from a restricted state to an unrestricted state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If multiple devices are turned OFF with a single operation, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to change settings is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebulk device controlVSAvoidsetting modification capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic switching between bulk control operation and individual device control operation. The operator can switch between these two operational modes depending on whether they need quick power saving activation or detailed device configuration, thus maintaining both ease of operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can execute bulk device control for quick power saving, and it can also enable individual device control for detailed configuration. This multi-functionality allows a single system to satisfy both the need for ease of operation and the need for adaptability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4668041A1Control device
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP4668041A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4668041A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4668041A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The control device receives a first instruction for driving the machine tool in the power saving mode (yes at S11). The control device drives the machine tool in the power saving mode when the first instruction is received, by turning OFF, based on first setting information stored in a storage portion, a first target device among devices that the machine tool has(S27). The control device receives a second instruction, in a state in which the machine tool is being driven in the power saving mode by the drive processing. The control device changes the device to be turned OFF by the drive processing from the first target device to a second target device, based on the second instruction received by the second reception processing.