Machine Tool Station Display for Complete Tool Checking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tool management devices for machine tools are inadequate in displaying all tools attached to a tool station simultaneously, leading to errors such as forgetting necessary tools or leaving unnecessary tools attached, which complicates machining and affects tool life management.
Innovation Solution
A tool management device that allows for the simultaneous display of all tools attached to a tool station on a single screen, with the ability to switch between a deployed and folded state, providing a warning for missing or unnecessary tools, and integrating cutting edge information for comprehensive management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If only one tool is displayed per tool station in the management screen, then the display is simple and clear, but the user cannot check all tools attached to the tool station
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: tool station level, tool level, and cutting edge level. Users can navigate through these segments to view information at different granularities, from overview to detailed inspection, without overwhelming the display at any single level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to the display structure, allowing information to be organized and accessed across multiple levels (station→tool→cutting edge). This dimensional organization enables comprehensive information display while maintaining interface simplicity through structured navigation.
2Loss of information
If the screen is changed every time to check tool existence or state, then all tool information can be accessed, but the operation becomes complicated and usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple levels of information (tool station status, individual tool details, and cutting edge information) are merged into a single integrated display screen. Users can view all this information simultaneously through hierarchical expansion rather than switching between multiple screens, improving both accessibility and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The management screen serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays tool station overview, individual tool information, cutting edge status, and tool life management data all in one interface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate screens for different information types.
3Loss of information
If all tools attached to a tool station are displayed simultaneously, then complete tool information is visible, but the display area required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display uses a nested hierarchical structure where tool stations contain multiple tools, and each tool contains multiple cutting edges. Information is nested at different levels, allowing comprehensive data display in a compact format that minimizes the required display area while maintaining complete information visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent organizes information across hierarchical dimensions rather than spreading it horizontally across a large screen. By structuring data in nested levels (station→tool→cutting edge), the system displays complete information in a vertically organized compact format, reducing the overall display area required.
Data Source
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AI summary
There are provided a tool management device and a machine tool provided therewith, capable of simply and selectively checking all tools attached to respective tool stations to prevent a necessary tool from being forgotten to be attached and an unnecessary tool from being left attached. A tool management device 1 for managing tools detachable from a plurality of tool stations provided in a tool rest 12 of a machine tool 11 includes control means 5 for causing tool information related to one or more tools attached to each of the tool stations to be displayed in display means 3, wherein every time when a display area 62 for designating an appropriate tool station is selected, the control means 5 switches between a deployed state of deploying and displaying tool information related to all tools attached to the tool station selected, and a folded state of folding and displaying only tool information related to a predetermined tool, to cause the selected state to be displayed in an identical screen.