Machining Correction Control for Multi-Machine Production Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling machining on production lines are prone to human errors and require significant time, especially when multiple machines are involved, leading to inefficiencies and potential production line disruptions due to incorrect application of corrective measures.
Innovation Solution
A method that automates the measurement and correction process by using a measuring and/or control machine to identify deviations in part dimensions, determine necessary corrections, and transmit these corrections directly to the appropriate machining machine, eliminating the need for human intervention and reducing reaction time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operator intervention is used to manually determine and apply corrective actions, then flexibility in handling measurements is improved, but human error and implementation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machining center automatically determines corrective actions based on measured values and nominal values, and automatically applies these corrections without operator intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously processing measurement data, calculating deviations, generating corrective actions, and implementing them on the machining center.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of measurement recording and correction application with an automated electronic control system. The control machine electronically transmits corrective actions to the machining center, substituting the operator's manual intervention with an automated information processing and transmission system.
2Device complexity
If manual measurement and correction application is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but implementation time and productivity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system enables continuous operation by eliminating the time-consuming manual steps of recording measurements, calculating corrections, and applying them. The control machine continuously receives measurement data, processes it, and transmits corrective actions without interruption, maintaining continuous productive action on the machining center.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where measurement results are automatically fed back to the control machine, which then generates and transmits corrective actions to the machining center. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual intervention time and ensures rapid implementation of corrections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If corrective actions are manually applied to multiple machining centers, then versatility in handling different machines is improved, but error in applying corrections to the correct machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control machine acts as an intermediary between the measurement system and multiple machining centers. It receives measurement data, identifies which machining center produced the workpiece, determines the appropriate corrective action, and automatically transmits it to the correct machine. This intermediary role eliminates operator confusion about which machine requires correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses workpiece identification codes or tags as copies/linkers to trace each measured workpiece back to its originating machining center. This copying mechanism ensures that corrective actions are automatically routed to the correct machine based on the workpiece's origin, preventing misapplication of corrections.
4Productivity
If automated measurement and correction transmission is implemented, then productivity and speed are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control machine performs multiple functions: it receives measurement data, compares measured values with nominal values, calculates deviations, determines corrective actions, and transmits them to machining centers. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single automated control unit, managing complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling the machining of at least one first part (6a) machined by a first machining machine (2a) and/or a second part (6b) machined by a second machining machine (2b), the method employing at least one measuring and/or controlling machine (4) and comprising at least one step in which the measuring and/or controlling machine (4) measures one of the machined parts (6a, 6b) and associates one of the machining machines (2a, 2b) with the measured part (6a, 6b) and another step in which the measuring and/or controlling machine (4) determines at least one machining correction and transmits the correction to the machining machine (2a, 2b) that machined the part (6a, 6b) and then verifies the correct receipt of the correction by the machining machine (2a, 2b) that machined the part (6a, 6b).