Portable Machine Tool Controller with Orientation-Based Axis Assignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current machine tools with portable operating devices lack intuitive operability, making it difficult for operators to select and assign movement devices effectively, especially when multiple axes are involved.

Innovation Solution

The portable operating device is assigned to a movement device by orienting it in a predetermined position, using a sensor arrangement that recognizes the position orientation, with a reference axis on the device side, such as a virtual or physical handwheel, and includes geomagnetic, acceleration sensors, and gyroscopes to provide accurate assignment information, enabling intuitive selection and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If switches are used for assigning movement devices to the portable operating device, then the assignment function is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the non-intuitive selection process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical switch-based assignment system with an optical/magnetic sensor system that detects the spatial orientation of the portable operating device. Instead of manually flipping switches, the system uses sensors (optical, magnetic, or inertial) to automatically determine which movement device should receive control commands based on the device's pointing direction, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining clear assignment functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a sensor arrangement as an intermediary between the portable operating device and the movement devices. This sensor arrangement detects the spatial orientation and automatically establishes the assignment relationship, serving as a mediator that translates physical orientation into control assignment without requiring direct manual switching by the operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the portable operating device is made miniaturized with fewer input arrangements, then the portability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to limited control capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume of moving objectVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the portable operating device universal by enabling a single input arrangement to control multiple different movement devices through automatic assignment based on spatial orientation. The device can be pointed at different movement devices (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis) and the sensor system automatically routes control commands to the appropriate axis, providing multi-functionality in a miniaturized form factor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic assignment capability where the control assignment is not fixed but changes dynamically based on the spatial orientation of the portable device. The sensor arrangement continuously monitors orientation and automatically reassigns control targets as the device is rotated or repositioned, allowing the miniaturized device to adapt its control function in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If switches are used for movement device assignment, then the assignment information can be provided, but the intuitive operability deteriorates making it difficult for operators to select movement devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintuitive operabilityVSAvoidassignment information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical switch system with a sensor-based detection system that automatically captures and processes spatial orientation information. The sensor arrangement (optical, magnetic, or inertial) continuously monitors the device's orientation and automatically translates it into assignment information, eliminating the need for manual switch manipulation while preserving complete assignment data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining assignment information based on the device's own spatial orientation. The sensor arrangement and processing unit work autonomously to detect orientation, compare it with stored reference orientations, and establish assignments without requiring the operator to manually input or select assignment parameters, thereby maintaining full assignment information while dramatically improving intuitiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances the intuitive operability of machine tools by allowing operators to easily select and assign movement devices, improving accuracy and reducing errors, even in environments with electromagnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

The assignment device (56) recognizes this position orientation of the reference axis on the control device side using a sensor arrangement (58), for example using geomagnetic, acceleration sensors and/or gyroscopes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGeomagnetic sensing: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscopic sensing: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentEP2920657B1Operating device for a machine tool with position-dependent assignment of operating commands to individual movement axes of the machine tool

Publication Date: 2017.12.13 SPINNER WERKZ MASCHFAB

Figure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a portable operating device (10) for a machine tool (14) with a plurality of movement devices (18, 24, 30) for moving the tool and the workpiece relative to one another, wherein the operating device (10) comprises an input arrangement (46) with a force-feedback function, an assignment device (56) for assigning the operating device (10) to the machine tool (14), and a transmission device (52) for transmitting the input control commands or/and data to the machine tool (14). The assignment device (56) also comprises sensors for detecting the position and orientation of the operating device. In a method, an operator changes the operating device (10) to a position relative to the machine tool (14), wherein the assignment device (56) connects or assigns the operating device (10) to the machine tool (14) only if the detected position matches a predetermined position.