Machine Tool Controller for Robot Programming and Interference Checking

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the manufacturing industry, especially in mid-size and small-size companies, introducing industrial robots is hindered by the need for users to learn complex robot operation, programming, and interference checking between machine tools and robots, which requires extensive time and can lead to human errors due to complex program management.

Innovation Solution

A machine tool system with a robot preprocessor and controller that allows for manual operation parameter setting, generates robot preprograms, checks for interference using 3D models, and transmits control commands to avoid interference, enabling users to easily generate and execute robot programs without extensive training.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a machine tool user with no robot experience operates the robot directly using robot controller programming, then the robot can be controlled, but the user requires extensive time to learn robot operation methods and programming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of robot operationVSAvoidtime required for user to become proficient

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The machine tool controller serves as an intermediary between the user and the robot controller. It provides a familiar operation interface for machine tool users to program robot movements without requiring them to learn robot-specific programming languages or operation methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine tool controller is extended to perform multiple functions: it controls both the machine tool and generates robot control programs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate robot controller learning while maintaining robot control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate controllers are used for machine tool and robot operations, then each controller can provide interference checking functions, but interference checking cannot be executed when machine tool and robot operate with respect to each other

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference checking capabilityVSAvoidability to check interference in integrated operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interference checking function is merged into the machine tool controller, which now has access to both machine tool program information and robot program generation capabilities. This unified controller can perform comprehensive interference checking for both machine tool and robot operations in an integrated manner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If programs for machine tool and robot are managed by respective controllers, then program management is possible, but the number of programs increases and human errors occur in reading programs into storage regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram management capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of program management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Program management functions for both machine tool and robot are merged into a single system. The machine tool controller generates and manages robot programs using the same program structure and storage mechanism, eliminating the need for separate program management systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine tool controller creates robot programs by copying and adapting machine tool program instructions. This copying approach allows the robot to execute operations defined in the machine tool program without requiring separate program creation and management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Device complexity

If FMS or FMC configuration is provided to enable automatic program selection, then program management complexity is reduced, but robot introduction cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram management complexityVSAvoidrobot introduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The machine tool controller is enhanced to perform multiple functions including robot program generation and automatic program selection. This universal controller eliminates the need for expensive FMS/FMC configurations while providing similar program management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11648670B2Machine tool system

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 OKUMA CORP

AI summary

A machine tool system is disclosed which can shorten time required for generating a robot program even for a machine tool user who has no experience in using a robot. A machine tool controller includes an operation panel and an interactive program generator, and sets an operation parameter of the robot using a template screen prepared for each stylized operation of the robot. The interactive program generator generates a robot preprogram using the set operation parameter, reads the robot preprogram during execution of a machine tool program, and transfers the program to a robot preprocessor. The robot preprocessor interprets the robot preprogram and outputs a control command to a robot controller.