Numerical Controller Block Retrieval by Tool Distance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing numerical controllers require significant time and labor to retrieve specific blocks from a machining program, especially when the program is long and contains many similar commands, making it difficult to identify and resume machining operations efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A numerical controller with a function that analyzes the machining program from the beginning and retrieves blocks near the current tool position, using a retrieval command input unit, tool position acquisition unit, distance calculation unit, and search result display unit to display blocks in ascending order of distance from the current tool position, allowing for intuitive block designation and reduced labor in re-machining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional methods using program command values, tool numbers, or sequence numbers are used to retrieve specific blocks, then the machining program can be searched, but it takes significant time and labor especially when the program is long and contains many similar commands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to retrieve specific blockVSAvoidease of finding specific block

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual search through graphics or machining path (mechanical/visual process) with an automated distance calculation system that computes distances between current tool position and command paths mathematically, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual searching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary retrieval system that includes a distance calculation unit and search result display unit, which mediates between the current tool position and the machining program blocks to automatically identify and present relevant blocks without direct manual searching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual visual search through graphics or machining path is used to find specific blocks, then blocks can be located, but it requires significant labor and time especially with long programs and similar commands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of identifying specific blockVSAvoidtime for block identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically calculating distances and identifying relevant blocks based on current tool position, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the search process and thereby reducing both time and labor requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10539945B2Numerical controller

Publication Date: 2020.01.21 FANUC LTD

AI summary

In order to retrieve a specific block from a machining program, a numerical controller calculates the distance between a command path based on one of blocks included in the machining program and a current position of a tool and, based on the calculated distance, displays only that one of the blocks included in the machining program which is located closest to the current tool position or displays a plurality of blocks side by side in the ascending order of distance from the current tool position.