NC Machine Tool Program Updates Across Different Control Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing update systems for numerically controlled machine tools require manual intervention by a service technician to configure and update control programs, especially for customer-specific machine tools, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A data interface device with first and second interface modules for data transmission with a control program database and control devices, respectively, capable of generating configuration data records for different control devices from a generic update data record, allowing for fully automated updates without a technician.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual updating by service technician is used, then control programs can be updated with proper configuration, but the process is time-consuming and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically performs the update process by receiving update data records, generating appropriate configuration data records, and applying updates without requiring service technician intervention. The system self-configures and self-updates based on the received update data.
Solution Approach 2:
The update data record contains pre-configured information and parameters that are prepared in advance by the manufacturer. This preliminary configuration enables the control device to automatically generate the correct configuration data records without requiring on-site technician setup.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration by service technician is used, then customer-specific machine tools can be updated, but the process is complex and requires individual configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The update data record structure is designed to be universal and can accommodate different control devices and customer-specific configurations. The same update data record format works across multiple device types, eliminating the need for individual configuration procedures for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by changing parameters within the update data record structure rather than changing the overall process complexity. Different configuration parameters are adjusted based on the specific control device type, while the update mechanism remains standardized and simple.
3Extent of automation
If automated online update is used, then service technician intervention is eliminated, but the system reaches limits for differently configured machine tools
Solution Approach 1:
The update data record is segmented into different components: device-identifying information, common update data, and device-specific configuration data. This segmentation allows the automated system to handle different control device types appropriately while maintaining overall automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The update data record acts as an intermediary that bridges the manufacturer's update system and various control devices. It contains the necessary information to adapt the automated update process to different device configurations without requiring manual intervention.
4Ease of operation
If service technician personally arrives at customer location, then proper configuration can be performed, but the process is impracticable and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs self-configuration and self-update by processing the update data record automatically. This eliminates the need for service technician travel and on-site configuration work, significantly reducing costs while maintaining configuration accuracy through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of service technician travel, physical device access, and hands-on configuration is replaced by an electronic data transmission system. Update data records are transmitted electronically and processed automatically, substituting the physical service technician presence with an automated electronic update mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A data interface device for updating control programs of a control device of a numerically controlled machine tool, comprising a first interface module configured for data transmission with a control program database, and a second interface module configured for data transmission with one or more control devices. The data interface device is configured to receive an update data record from the control program database via the first interface module and to transmit a configuration data record to a control device via the second interface module, said configuration data record causing said control device to update a control program stored in a memory unit of the control device on the basis of the transmitted configuration data record. The data interface device is configured for updating control programs of at least two different control.