Machine Tool Program Switching for Sequential Multi-Shape Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine tool control devices require separate multi-system programs for each product shape, leading to prolonged operation downtime and inefficiency in producing different-shaped products sequentially, as modules cannot switch programs until previous products are completed.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a multi-system program storage part, a program dividing part, a divided program storage part, and a machining program selection part allows for the division and selection of machining programs for each module, enabling simultaneous execution of different machining steps across modules, reducing downtime by allowing program switching during ongoing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional control device uses separate multi-system programs for each product shape, then each module can be assigned to specific machining steps, but the modules cannot switch programs until previous products are completed, leading to prolonged operation downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-system program into individual machining programs for each control system. Instead of using a single multi-system program that controls all modules, the system divides it into separate machining programs (first machining program, second machining program, third machining program) that can be independently selected and executed by different modules. This segmentation enables Module 2 to switch to the second machining program for Product B while Module 1 continues with the first machining program for Product A, eliminating the need to wait for complete product completion before program switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic program switching capability where each module can independently select and execute different machining programs based on the product being processed. The control device allows Module 1 to execute the first machining program for Product A while Module 2 simultaneously executes the second machining program for Product B. This dynamic allocation enables continuous operation without idle time, as modules can adapt their program execution in real-time rather than being locked into a fixed sequential program structure.
2Productivity
If modules wait for completion of previous products before switching programs, then program execution remains simple and coordinated, but production efficiency decreases due to idle time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-system program into individual machining programs for each control system. Instead of using a single multi-system program that controls all modules, the system divides it into separate machining programs (first machining program, second machining program, third machining program) that can be independently selected and executed by different modules. This segmentation enables Module 2 to switch to the second machining program for Product B while Module 1 continues with the first machining program for Product A, eliminating the need to wait for complete product completion before program switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary that coordinates program selection and execution across multiple modules. It manages the divided program storage parts and enables each module to independently select appropriate machining programs while maintaining overall system coordination. This intermediary function simplifies program management by providing a centralized control mechanism that handles program distribution and switching, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from decentralized program management.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device (20) for a machine tool (100) to efficiently and successively produce a plurality of different-shaped products is provided. In the control device, each driving shaft of modules (M1, M2, and M3) is assigned to different control systems. The device includes a multi-system program storage part (30) for storing a plurality of multi-system programs to machine a workpiece in different shapes, a multi-system program dividing part (31) for dividing the multi-system programs into machining programs, a divided program storage part (32) for storing the divided machining programs individually, a system-based program storage part (34) for storing the machining programs each corresponding to each of the control systems, and a machining program selection part (33) for selecting a predetermined machining program from the divided program storage part (32) in accordance with the machining step to be performed and for alternately storing the selected machining programs in two program storage parts of the system-based program storage part (34) for the respective control systems.