Numerical Controller Multi-Path Arbitration for Mixed Workpiece Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional numerical controllers are not suitable for mass production of various types of workpieces, as they require complex machining programs that specify execution orders for each device and path, leading to difficulties in conveyance command descriptions and potential damage to stations during machining.
Innovation Solution
A numerical controller that generates and executes machining programs for each workpiece, dynamically allocating axes and arbitrating conveyance command timings based on priorities to prevent simultaneous process execution across paths, facilitating mixed flow production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a machining program is prepared for each device (tool) as in the prior art, then each device can repeatedly perform process work according to the machining program, but the execution order of the plurality of machining programs on a workpiece cannot be recognized and description of conveyance command becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into multiple independent paths, where each path corresponds to a specific sequence of stations for a particular workpiece type. This segmentation allows each path to have its own simplified machining program without needing to coordinate with other paths, thereby reducing overall program complexity while maintaining mass production capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic path selection and conveyance timing adjustment based on workpiece type and station status. The system can dynamically assign different paths to different workpieces and adjust conveyance commands in real-time, enabling flexible mass production of various workpiece types without complex predetermined programs for each device.
2Reliability
If conveyance command is issued during machining at any one of the stations, then the targeted station is damaged, but waiting command of machining completion in all the paths needs to be described which takes time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the numerical controller continuously monitors the status of all stations and paths. Based on this real-time feedback, the controller automatically determines safe conveyance timing without requiring explicit waiting commands in the program, thus ensuring station safety while reducing program complexity and description time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing conveyance command timing based on real-time station status monitoring. The numerical controller independently determines when conveyance commands can be safely issued without requiring manual program description of waiting commands, thereby ensuring safety while reducing programming effort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each path corresponds to each device (tool) as in the prior art, then the control structure is simple, but the system is not suitable for mass production of various types of workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal paths that can handle multiple workpiece types by implementing flexible station assignment and conveyance logic. Each path is designed to be multi-functional, capable of processing different workpiece types through the same sequence of stations, thereby increasing adaptability without significantly increasing control structure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic path configuration where the assignment of stations to paths and the sequencing of operations can be adjusted based on workpiece type. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to efficiently handle various workpiece types while maintaining a relatively simple underlying control structure that can be reconfigured rather than requiring completely separate control logic for each workpiece type.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a numerical controller for facilitating mass production of various types of workpieces in comparison with a prior art, by controlling a rotary index machine or the like having a plurality of machining stations. A numerical controller for a machine tool executes multi-path control for collectively controlling a plurality of paths requiring conveyance operations between the processes when each of workpieces receives a plurality of processes. The numerical controller includes an execution unit for executing a plurality of machining programs each of which is generated for each of the workpieces so as to correspond to each of the paths, the plurality of machining programs including execution commands of the processes and conveyance commands between the processes.