Machining Environment Evaluation for Machine and Tool Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional machining technologies lack the ability to effectively evaluate and recommend appropriate machining environments for processing workpieces, leading to suboptimal production outcomes even when using different working machines and tools.

Innovation Solution

A machining environment support system and method that provides suitability evaluation information by selecting and simulating working machines, tools, and tool holders based on processing information, including owned and non-owned assets, and generating evaluation data for processing efficiency, tool lifespan, and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional machining technologies are used without evaluation and recommendation systems, then the current machining environment can be maintained with simple operations, but suboptimal production outcomes occur and appropriate machining environments cannot be identified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction outcomesVSAvoidmachining environment evaluation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the machining environment through simulation technology. The simulation system replicates the behavior and characteristics of actual machining processes, allowing evaluation of different machining environments without physically implementing them. This virtual copying enables comprehensive evaluation while avoiding the complexity of building and testing multiple physical machining setups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical trial-and-error machining operations with computational simulation and information processing. Instead of physically testing different machining environments on actual machinery, the system uses software-based simulation to evaluate machining parameters, tool selections, and process configurations, thereby substituting mechanical experimentation with digital analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If machining environments are evaluated using simulation before actual processing, then tool lifespans can be predicted and tool breakage prevented, but the system cannot suggest alternative working machines and tools different from the current environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool lifespan predictionVSAvoidalternative machining environment recommendation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances the simulation system's functionality to perform multiple evaluation tasks simultaneously. The same simulation infrastructure that predicts tool lifespan and machining outcomes is also used to evaluate alternative working machines and tools. This multi-functional approach allows the system to both optimize current equipment usage and recommend alternative equipment configurations without requiring separate evaluation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an information processing intermediary layer between the simulation results and equipment recommendations. This intermediary analyzes simulation data about machining outcomes, tool performance, and process efficiency to generate informed recommendations about alternative working machines and tools. The intermediary translates technical simulation parameters into actionable equipment selection guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If only currently owned working machines and tools are considered, then facility plans can be simplified, but effective facility plans for various products from various workpieces cannot be made when appropriate machining environments are not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefacility plan effectivenessVSAvoidfacility planning system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary evaluation of alternative working machines and tools through simulation before actual facility planning decisions are made. By pre-assessing the performance, compatibility, and effectiveness of different equipment options in virtual machining environments, the system provides informed recommendations that guide facility planning. This preliminary digital evaluation prevents costly physical trials and ensures optimal equipment selection for various product and workpiece combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250315020A1Machining environment assist system and machining environment assist method

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 DMG MORI CO LTD

AI summary

A disclosed machining environment support system that provides a customer with suitability evaluation information regarding working machines and tools, with respect to a workpiece, the machining environment support system including: an input processing unit that inputs processing information regarding the workpiece; a selection processing unit that extracts working machines and tools suited to the processing information from a database and displays the same on a display unit in a selectable manner; and an output processing unit that generates and outputs the suitability evaluation information regarding the working machines and tools, based on the result of processing the workpiece using the selected working machines and tools based on the processing information. The selection processing unit is configured to display the working machines and tools determined as being owned by the customer based on attribute information registered in the database as well as the working machines and tools determined as not being owned by the customer, on the display unit in a selectable manner.