Multi-Path NC Command Ordering Without Synchronization Queues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional numerical controllers require queuing commands to synchronize paths, leading to increased cycle time and decreased responsiveness due to unnecessary synchronization and temporary halts, especially when only one path needs to wait to prevent interference.
Innovation Solution
A numerical controller that sets the execution order between commands of different paths, allowing for parallel control without synchronization, by using an order setting command to determine the execution sequence, thereby eliminating redundant queuing and temporary halts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If queuing commands are used to synchronize paths, then interference between paths is prevented, but cycle time increases due to temporary halts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the path control into independent parallel paths, each with its own command interpretation and execution units. By dividing the control system into separate path management segments, interference is prevented through structured coordination rather than synchronous queuing, eliminating unnecessary halts and reducing cycle time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic path selection and command execution where the control unit can flexibly determine which path to execute next based on real-time conditions. This dynamic approach replaces static queuing sequences, allowing paths to execute in parallel when safe and only coordinate when necessary, thereby reducing unnecessary waiting time while preventing interference.
2Reliability
If queuing commands are used to synchronize paths, then path coordination is achieved, but responsiveness decreases due to processing waits
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control architecture into independent path management units with separate command interpretation and execution capabilities, the system achieves coordination without requiring one path to wait for another. Each segment operates independently and can respond to commands immediately, maintaining responsiveness while ensuring coordinated execution through the control unit's path selection logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit monitors the execution state of multiple paths and dynamically adjusts command routing based on real-time conditions. This feedback-driven coordination allows paths to execute with high responsiveness, only pausing or reordering when actual interference conditions are detected, rather than following rigid pre-synchronized queues.
3Reliability
If ladder program monitoring is used to determine interlock conditions, then interference prevention is achieved, but processing responsiveness decreases due to parallel program waits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the interference prevention logic from the ladder program monitoring system and integrates it directly into the NC program execution flow. By taking out the coordination function from the separate ladder program and embedding it in the primary control path, the system eliminates the need for parallel program synchronization and waiting, achieving both interference prevention and high processing responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the interference prevention functionality with the NC program command execution by implementing path coordination logic within the same execution framework. This merging eliminates the separation between ladder program monitoring and NC program execution, allowing both functions to operate in a unified, responsive manner without requiring parallel processing waits.
Data Source
AI summary
A numerical controller capable of setting the execution order among the commands of an NC program executes at least one NC program to control a plurality of paths. The NC program includes an order setting command by which the execution order can be set among commands for controlling each of the plurality of paths. The numerical controller includes at least one command analysis unit that reads and interprets a command included in the NC program, and when execution order of the command is set by the order setting command, outputs command data to which the execution order is added, and at least one command executor that executes command processing of each path in accordance with the execution order based on the command data that is output by the command analysis unit and to which the execution order is added.