Numerical Controller Boundary Conditions for Safe Machine Tool Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manufacturers of machine tools face challenges in ensuring that only useful functions of the numerical control system are used, as some functions can be harmful or irrelevant to specific machine tools, leading to potential damage or inferior machining processes.

Innovation Solution

The numerical control system processes only functions that comply with specified boundary conditions, which are determined via a protected interface, allowing manufacturers to enable or block functions based on the machine tool's capabilities, thereby preventing the use of inappropriate functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the numerical control system provides universal functions for all machine tool types, then the adaptability of the numerical control is improved, but the risk of harmful or irrelevant functions being used increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of numerical controlVSAvoidrisk of damage or inferior machining

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring boundary condition information that determines which functions are permitted or blocked before the numerical control system processes any part programs. The manufacturer sets these boundary conditions during system configuration, and the control system automatically enforces them during operation, preventing harmful functions from being executed without requiring real-time intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of boundary condition information that acts as a mediator between the universal numerical control system and the specific machine tool application. This intermediary layer filters and regulates function execution by checking against pre-defined boundary conditions, allowing the system to maintain universality while ensuring safety for specific applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the manufacturer blocks certain functions to ensure safety, then the reliability of the machine tool is improved, but the versatility of the numerical control system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of machine tool operationVSAvoidversatility of numerical control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the functional capabilities of the numerical control system configurable and adaptable. Instead of permanently blocking functions, the system dynamically adjusts which functions are available based on the specific machine tool configuration and application requirements. The boundary condition information can be tailored to each application, allowing the system to be restrictive when needed and permissive when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by modifying the operational parameters of the numerical control system through boundary condition settings. Rather than changing the physical structure or permanently disabling functions, the system changes the operational parameters (which functions are permitted or blocked) based on the specific machine tool type and application, maintaining versatility while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If manual instructions are provided to guide function usage, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental function misuse increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguidance for function usageVSAvoidrisk of accidental damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the numerical control system to automatically enforce safety rules without requiring operator intervention or manual guidance. The boundary condition information is pre-configured to automatically prevent harmful function combinations, allowing the system to protect itself and the machine tool without relying on operator knowledge or adherence to manual instructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by having the numerical control system continuously check function calls against pre-defined boundary conditions. When a function is called, the system automatically verifies whether it complies with the permitted boundary conditions for the specific machine tool configuration, providing immediate feedback and preventing execution of harmful functions before damage can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3994533B1Numerical controller which can be adjusted by the machine manufacturer

Publication Date: 2023.10.25 SIEMENS AG

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AI summary

A numerical controller (4) executes a system program (5). While executing the system program (5), the numerical controller (4) executes a sub-program (8). On the basis of the execution of the sub-program (5), it controls position-controlled shafts (1) of a machine tool controlled by the numerical controller (4). The sub-program (8) contains instruction sets (10) which are retrieved sequentially one after the other by the numerical controller (4). The numerical controller (4) only executes the retrieved instruction sets (10) if the instruction sets (10) comply with permitted boundary conditions. Otherwise, it does not execute the instruction sets (10). Before executing the sub-program (8) while executing the system program (5), the numerical controller (4) receives information (I) defining the permitted boundary conditions via an interface (9) protected from unauthorised access.