Machine Tool 3D Tool Traceability for Machining Accuracy Faults
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine tools lack the capability to accurately determine which tool is responsible for decreased workpiece processing accuracy due to wear or chipping, as they only display tool paths superimposed on a three-dimensional workpiece model after processing.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool system that acquires processing information, displays a three-dimensional workpiece model, allows users to designate flawed areas, determines the involved tool based on processing data, and displays tool information including size and image data, enabling identification of worn or chipped tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If only tool path is displayed on the three-dimensional model, then the display is simple and easy to implement, but the worker cannot determine the tool that caused the decrease in workpiece processing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple functional layers: the base three-dimensional model showing the workpiece, overlaid tool path visualization, and on-demand tool information panels. When a worker selects a specific tool path, the system segments and displays only the relevant tool information (tool ID, name, parameters) rather than all tools simultaneously, reducing information overload while maintaining completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool information is nested within the three-dimensional model display structure. The tool path is displayed as a layer on the workpiece model, and tool detail information is nested as an additional layer that appears when a tool path is selected. This nested structure allows progressive disclosure of information, maintaining a clean base display while providing access to detailed tool information when needed.
2Ease of operation
If detailed tool information is always displayed, then the worker can identify the tool easily, but the display becomes cluttered and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The display interface is dynamic rather than static. Tool information is displayed based on user interaction: when a worker selects or hovers over a tool path, the system dynamically updates the display to show relevant tool information. This dynamic behavior allows the interface to remain simple when no tool is selected but provide comprehensive information when needed, adapting to the worker's information needs in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically displaying tool information when a tool path is selected, without requiring the worker to manually search through multiple menus or interfaces. The display system serves itself by detecting user selection and autonomously presenting the relevant tool details, making the identification process intuitive and reducing the operational burden on the worker.
3Measurement precision
If the system stores and processes detailed tool information, then accurate tool identification is possible, but the information processing and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential tool identification information (tool ID, name, and key parameters) from the complete tool database and stores it in a streamlined format. When a tool path is selected, only this extracted essential information is retrieved and displayed, rather than accessing and processing the entire tool database. This extraction approach maintains identification accuracy while minimizing data storage and processing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for assisting a task of determining a tool that is a cause of a decrease in workpiece processing accuracy is provided. A machine tool capable of processing a workpiece using a plurality of tools includes a display and a control unit for controlling the machine tool. The control unit executes: a process of acquiring processing information that specifies a tool used in processing the workpiece and a processing route of the tool; a process of displaying, on the display, a three-dimensional model of the workpiece created based on the processing information; a process of receiving designation of a site with respect to the three-dimensional model displayed on the display; a process of determining, based on the processing information, an employed tool that has been involved in processing the designated site; and a process of displaying information on the employed tool on the display.