Manual Handle Haptic Control for Machine Tool Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing numerical control devices for machine tools require users to switch between manual handle mode and machine control panel operations, leading to reduced operability and the need for additional buttons and switches.

Innovation Solution

A numerical control device that includes a control mode determination section, a haptic control section, and a manual handle control section, which generates haptic feedback in the manual handle based on the control mode, allowing the device to perform control operations without the need for manual buttons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a manual handle is used only for pulse notification in manual handle mode, then the function of the manual handle is simple and reliable, but the operability is reduced and additional buttons and switches are required on the machine control panel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of manual handle functionVSAvoidoperability of machine tool

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual handle is transformed from a single-function pulse notification device into a multi-functional control interface. By detecting rotation direction, rotation amount, and holding state, the handle can perform positioning operations, feed operations, and mode switching operations, replacing multiple buttons and switches on the machine control panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Haptic feedback is introduced to the manual handle to provide tactile cues to the operator. The haptic control section generates vibrations or resistance forces based on the current control mode and operational state, allowing the operator to sense the machine state through touch and perform operations more intuitively without relying solely on visual displays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons and switches are added to the machine control panel to enable operations other than manual handle mode, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of control operationsVSAvoidcomplexity of control panel

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple control functions that were previously distributed across separate buttons and switches on the machine control panel are merged into a single manual handle interface. The control mode determination section integrates positioning mode, feed mode, and mode switching functions into one unified operational mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If haptic feedback is generated in the manual handle based on control mode, then the operability is improved through enhanced user interaction, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperability of machine toolVSAvoidenergy consumption of haptic feedback system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The haptic feedback is activated periodically or selectively based on the control mode and operational requirements rather than continuously. The haptic control section generates vibrations or resistance forces only when needed for specific operations or mode transitions, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining improved operability when the feedback is active.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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 improves the operability of machine tools by allowing control operations to be performed using haptic feedback in the manual handle, eliminating the need for manual button operations and enhancing user interaction.

Implementation Method 1

a haptic control section which causes haptic feedback to be generated in the manual handle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHaptic feedback: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12271177B2Numerical control device with manual handle configured based on control mode

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 FANUC LTD

AI summary

Provided is a numerical control device which can improve the operability of a machine tool. The numerical control device controls a machine tool having a manual handle for moving a shaft by manual operation. The numerical control device comprises: a control mode determination unit for determining a control mode of the machine tool; a haptic control unit for generating haptic feedback at the manual handle on the basis of the control mode determined by the control mode determination unit; and a manual handle control unit for performing, by rotating operation of the manual handle where the haptic feedback is generated, control of the machine tool by the numerical control device.