NC Machine Tool Program Updates for Custom Control Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing update systems for numerically controlled machine tools are inefficient and require on-site service technicians, as they cannot handle customer-specific machine tools and require manual configuration for updates.
Innovation Solution
A data interface device that includes a first interface module for data transmission with a control program database and a second interface module for data transmission with control devices, enabling the transfer of a generic update data set to multiple control devices, regardless of their hardware or software implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a generic update system is used to transfer control programs from a central server, then update efficiency is improved, but it cannot handle customer-specific machine tool configurations requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the data format from generic control programs to configuration data records that contain device-specific parameters. The processing module transforms generic update data into customized configuration records by modifying parameters according to the specific control device requirements, enabling automated updates while maintaining adaptability to different machine tool configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing module as an intermediary between the central server and control devices. This module automatically generates device-specific configuration data records from generic update data, eliminating the need for manual service technician intervention while ensuring proper adaptation to each control device's specific configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual updating by service technicians is performed, then customer-specific configurations are handled correctly, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the control devices to update themselves automatically by receiving and executing configuration data records. The processing module generates the appropriate configuration data, and the control devices apply these updates without requiring service technician presence, achieving both adaptability and time efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The processing module acts as an automated intermediary that replaces service technicians in the update process. It generates customized configuration data records for each control device and transmits them automatically, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining proper handling of customer-specific configurations
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of update parameters is required for different machine tools, then update accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the update process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing module serves as an automated intermediary that generates accurate configuration data records without requiring manual configuration. It automatically adapts generic update data to specific control devices, maintaining update accuracy while eliminating the complexity of manual parameter setting
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service updates where the processing module automatically generates and transmits the correct configuration data for each control device. This eliminates the need for complex manual configuration processes while ensuring accurate updates tailored to each device's specific requirements
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention provides a data interface device 100 for updating control programs of a control device 200a, 200b of a numerically controlled machine tool, comprising a first interface module 10 configured for data transmission with a control program database 300, and a second interface module 20 configured for data transmission with one or more control devices 200a, 200b. The data interface device 100 is configured to receive an update data set from the control program database 300 via the first interface module 10 and to transmit a configuration data set to a control device 200a, 200b via the second interface module 20, causing the control device 200a, 200b to update a control program stored in a memory unit of the control device 200a, 200b based on the transmitted configuration data set.The data interface device 100 is configured for updating control programs of at least two different control devices 200a, 200b and comprises a processing module which is configured to generate, on the basis of a received update data set, at least a first configuration data set which can be read by the first control device 200a of the at least two control devices 200a, 200b, and a second configuration data set which can be read by the second control device 200b of the at least two control devices 200a, 200b.