Numerical Control Device Parallel Command Execution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional numerical control devices using data in table format are limited in simultaneously executing multiple commands, requiring sequential execution and complex data creation due to the need for calculating operation times and adding margin times, which prolongs cycle time.

Innovation Solution

A numerical control device with multiple processing units that determine and execute commands independently, allowing simultaneous execution of commands in one data set, eliminating the need for calculating operation times and adding margin times, thereby simplifying data creation and reducing cycle time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If commands are executed sequentially one by one in conventional numerical control devices, then the control logic is simple, but the cycle time becomes longer and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycle timeVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control system into multiple independent processing units (first processing unit, second processing unit, third processing unit), each capable of independently executing commands. This segmentation allows parallel execution of multiple commands simultaneously, reducing cycle time and improving productivity without requiring complex inter-unit coordination logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If operation time is calculated in advance and margin time is added for each command, then the reference value for next command execution can be determined, but the data creation process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata creation easeVSAvoidcycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Each processing unit independently determines whether its assigned command has reached the reference value and executes it autonomously without requiring external calculation of operation times or margin times. This self-service mechanism eliminates the complex data creation process while maintaining accurate timing control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If margin time is added to maximum operation time for commands with indefinite operation time, then the reference value can be set, but the cycle time becomes longer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycle timeVSAvoidcommand execution reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each processing unit continuously monitors its command execution status and independently determines when the reference value is reached. This feedback mechanism allows commands with indefinite operation times to be executed reliably without adding unnecessary margin time, as the system automatically detects when execution is complete and can proceed to the next command.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9696712B2Numerical control device having function of simultaneously executing plurality of commands using data in table format

Publication Date: 2017.07.04 FANUC LTD

AI summary

In a numerical control device, a command read out unit sequentially reads out time or a position of an axis or a spindle which is a reference and a position of a different axis or spindle from the axis or the spindle which is the reference or an auxiliary function that are stored in a storage unit. A selection unit selects a processing unit that processes a command which is read out by the command read out unit on the basis of a definition set by a definition unit. The definition unit defines commands executed by each processing unit.