Machining Tool Thermal Control Device for Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power consumption reduction methods for machining tools, such as using timers, fail to consider thermal displacement, leading to instability in machining accuracy and inability to instantly detect operation conditions, prioritizing power savings over thermal balance.

Innovation Solution

A control device for machining tools that includes a priority mode selection unit, parameter set storage, operation condition monitoring, and execution units to manage heating and cooling devices based on selected modes and operation conditions, ensuring thermal stability while reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a timer is used for power consumption reduction by stopping heating or cooling devices, then power consumption is reduced, but thermal displacement occurs and machining accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmachining accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operation state of heating and cooling devices based on real-time monitoring of operation conditions. Instead of using a fixed timer, the control device continuously adapts the thermal management strategy according to current machining status, operator presence, and selected priority modes, thereby maintaining thermal balance while enabling power savings when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring operation conditions and using this information to adjust the operation of heating and cooling devices. The system receives feedback about machining status and operator presence, then modifies thermal management actions accordingly, preventing thermal displacement that would occur with fixed timer-based control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If a timer is used for detecting operation conditions, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to instantly grasp machining tool condition is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidoperation condition detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical timer-based detection mechanism with an electronic monitoring system that continuously tracks operation conditions. This substitution enables real-time detection of machining tool status and operator presence without the delays and inaccuracies inherent in timer-based systems, while still allowing for power management strategies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If heating or cooling devices are stopped and restarted frequently for power consumption reduction, then power consumption decreases, but thermal balance deteriorates and stable machining accuracy cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidthermal balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by predicting when heating or cooling devices will be needed based on monitored operation conditions. Instead of waiting for timers to trigger stop/start cycles, the control device proactively adjusts device operation in anticipation of changing machining requirements, thereby maintaining thermal balance while still achieving power consumption reduction through intelligent pre-planning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively reduces power consumption while maintaining machining accuracy by dynamically adjusting the operation of heating and cooling devices based on real-time operation conditions and operator presence, avoiding thermal displacement issues.

Implementation Method 1

a parameter corresponding to the heating device having a value for making the heating device in an on state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a parameter corresponding to the cooling device having a value for making the cooling device in an on state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS9946249B2Control device of machining tool with power consumption reduction function

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A control device of a machining tool with power consumption reduction function includes an execution unit configured to execute control of devices using parameter extracted from a parameter set storage unit, based on a selected priority mode and operation condition of the machining tool. At least one parameter set stored in the parameter storage unit is set with a parameter corresponding to the heating device having a value for making the heating device in an on state and a parameter corresponding to the cooling device having a value for making the cooling device in an on state.