Machine Tool Thermal Position Compensation Using Neural Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for compensating thermally induced positional changes in numerically controlled machine tools are inefficient and energy-intensive, affecting machining accuracy and profitability.

Innovation Solution

A method using a characteristic map adapted by a computer-implemented neural network for real-time temperature compensation, where the neural network updates the map based on sensor data and FE simulations, allowing for efficient and accurate temperature-dependent position corrections without direct energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If active temperature control or cooling of the machine tool is used to reduce temperature influences, then machining accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal control system (cooling devices, temperature control mechanisms) with a computational system. Temperature sensors measure thermal conditions, and a control unit calculates compensation values based on stored temperature characteristics to correct position target values, eliminating the need for energy-intensive active temperature control while maintaining machining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from controlling physical temperature parameters to adjusting computational parameters. Instead of actively controlling machine tool temperature through cooling systems, the system measures temperature and uses it to modify position target values through calculated compensation, transforming a thermal control problem into a computational correction problem that consumes minimal energy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the machine is cooled in the area of heat sources or warmed up until thermally stationary to reduce thermo-elastic error, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the energy requirement increases significantly resulting in reduced profitability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidenergy requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces energy-intensive thermal management systems (cooling devices, heating systems) with a computational compensation system. Temperature characteristics are stored in advance, and during operation, the control unit retrieves and applies appropriate compensation values based on measured temperature and current axis configuration, eliminating continuous energy consumption for thermal control while maintaining positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If air conditioning of the environment is used to create constant conditions, then thermal stability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces environmental control systems (air conditioning) with a computational adaptation system. The control unit stores temperature characteristics for different environmental conditions and adapts compensation values based on measured temperature and axis configuration, achieving thermal stability through calculation rather than energy-intensive environmental control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the approach from maintaining constant environmental parameters to adapting computational parameters. Instead of using air conditioning to maintain constant temperature, the system measures temperature variations and adjusts position target values through compensation calculations, achieving thermal stability without continuous energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12197183B2Method and device for compensating for a thermally induced change in position on a numerically controlled machine tool

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 DMG MORI SEEBACH GMBH

AI summary

The present invention relates to methods and devices for compensating for a thermally induced change in position on a numerically controlled machine tool, wherein: a characteristic map describing the thermoelastic behaviour of the machine tool is provided to a control system of the machine tool; one or more temperature values are determined by means of one or more temperature sensors on the machine tool; one or more compensation parameters are determined on the control system of the machine tool on the basis of the one or more temperature values determined and of the characteristic map provided; and wherein a temperature-dependent change in position on the machine tool is performed according to the one or more compensation values determined. According to the invention, the characteristic map provided is adjusted or updated by means of a neural network running on a computer.