Numerical Controller Automatic Group ID Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for connecting external signal input/output units to numerical controllers require manual setting of IDs, leading to potential errors and increased costs due to the need for multiple switches and complex configurations, and existing automatic allocation methods fail to detect configuration errors during system changes.
Innovation Solution
A numerical controller that automatically allocates group IDs to external signal input/output units, issuing an alarm for misconfigurations and allowing easy reconstruction of the system by enabling/disabling group IDs, thereby preventing malfunctions and simplifying system changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual setting of group IDs is performed using switches on external signal input/output units, then identification of units is achieved, but setting errors occur and the number of switching components increases leading to higher costs and more inspection items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch-based ID setting system with an automatic software-based allocation system. The numerical controller automatically assigns group IDs to external signal input/output units based on their connection status, eliminating the need for manual switch operations and reducing human error in ID configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the numerical controller to automatically detect connected units and allocate group IDs without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously manages the ID assignment process, reducing the need for switching components and inspection items while maintaining accurate identification.
2Ease of operation
If automatic allocation of IDs by software is implemented, then setting of group IDs is simplified, but configuration errors cannot be detected and wrong allocation may occur during system changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the numerical controller detects the actual connection status of external signal input/output units and compares it with the allocated group IDs. When a mismatch is detected (indicating a configuration error or wrong allocation), the system generates an alarm to notify the user, thereby ensuring reliability while maintaining automatic allocation.
3Ease of repair
If system configuration is temporarily changed during maintenance, then maintenance operations are performed, but addresses must be set again increasing time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the system to automatically detect and adapt to configuration changes during maintenance. When external signal input/output units are connected or disconnected, the numerical controller automatically updates the group ID allocations and address mappings without requiring manual reconfiguration, thereby reducing maintenance time while ensuring proper system operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A numerical controller in which group IDs are automatically allocated to I/O units so that the group IDs and addresses can be set automatically even when a system configuration is changed in response to detection of a configuration error. When a power of the numerical controller is turned on, group IDs are successively allocated to I/O units with distance from the numerical controller, and types of the I/O units are stored. Initial values of the group IDs allocated when the power is turned on for the first time after a system of the numerical controller is constructed, and addresses for the allocated group IDs are stored. An alarm is issued if the types and number of units for the group IDs automatically allocated for the second or later time of starting the numerical controller are different from the initial values.