Portable NC Lathe Console With Range-Based Command Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable manipulation command input devices for numerical control machine tools, such as NC automatic lathes, are limited in their ability to allow operators to check and manipulate the apparatus main unit from various sites, especially during unexpected operations, which can compromise safety.
Innovation Solution
A portable manipulation command input device with an input unit, display unit, and communication unit that can attach to and detach from the apparatus main unit, featuring a detection unit to enable information display and restricted manipulation only when within a predetermined range, ensuring safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the portable manipulation command input device allows manipulation at various sites away from the apparatus main unit, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety deteriorates because the operator cannot quickly respond to unexpected operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of manipulation permission based on the detection result of the portable device's position relative to the apparatus main unit. When the portable device is within the predetermined range, manipulation is permitted; when outside, manipulation is restricted. This dynamic parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing flexible operation within safe parameters while preventing unsafe remote manipulation.
2Reliability
If the portable manipulation command input device is restricted to a limited site, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the operator cannot check information at various sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the parameter of information display permission based on position detection. The portable device can display apparatus information at various sites as long as it is within the predetermined range of the apparatus main unit. This resolves the contradiction by allowing information access flexibility while maintaining safety through spatial constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the portable manipulation command input device communicates wirelessly over a wide range, then the adaptability is improved, but the safety deteriorates because manipulation can occur at unauthorized locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of manipulation permission based on the detection result of whether the portable device is within the predetermined range. The wireless communication capability is maintained for adaptability, but the manipulation permission parameter is dynamically adjusted based on position, allowing communication flexibility while ensuring safety through location-based access control.
4Ease of operation
If the portable manipulation command input device allows free manipulation from any location, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for position detection and restriction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a position detection mechanism that detects whether the portable device is within a predetermined range of the apparatus main unit, and changes the manipulation permission parameter accordingly. This relatively simple binary detection system (within range/out of range) provides the necessary safety control without excessive complexity, enabling easy operation when conditions are met while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
As one example of a portable manipulation command input device, a sub-console panel (60) is provided to be attachable to and removable from an automatic lathe apparatus main unit (10), and includes an input unit (66) to receive input of a manipulation command to the automatic lathe apparatus main unit (10), a display unit (65) to display information on the automatic lathe apparatus main unit (10), and a radio communication unit (67) to communicate with the automatic lathe apparatus main unit (10). The sub-console panel (60) includes a detection unit and a control unit (68) formed in collaboration with the automatic lathe apparatus main unit (10). The detection unit includes a radio ID tag (63) and a radio ID reader (18) for detecting the sub-console panel (60) being placed within a predetermined range of the automatic lathe apparatus main unit (10). Depending on a detection result by the detection unit, the control unit (68) allows or restricts manipulations of the automatic lathe apparatus main unit (10), and allows display of the information even when restricting the manipulations.