Press Machine Timing Interface for Slide and Attachment Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators find it difficult to intuitively set the positional relation between slide motion and the operation of attachment devices in press machines, leading to incorrect settings due to reliance on imagination rather than visual feedback.

Innovation Solution

A press machine with a display unit showing a circular image representing slide motion and concentric circular-arc images for attachment device operations, allowing operators to visually set and recognize the relation between slide motion and attachment device operations, including advance angles and operation ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a table type interface is used for setting timing switch operations, then the setting process can be completed, but the operator cannot intuitively recognize the positional relation between slide motion and attachment device operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of setting operationVSAvoidvisual feedback on positional relation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the conventional table-type interface into a circular graphical interface where the slide motion is represented as rotational motion of the eccentric mechanism. This dimensional change from tabular data to circular visualization allows operators to intuitively understand the positional relationship between slide position and attachment device operation timing through visual feedback on the circular display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the eccentric mechanism's rotational motion on the display unit. By showing a circular image that replicates the actual mechanical rotation and overlaying attachment device operation positions on this circular representation, operators can visually comprehend the timing and positional relationships without relying on abstract numerical tables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If numerical values are input to a table interface, then the operation settings can be configured, but the setting accuracy depends on operator skill and imagination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in setting operationVSAvoidprecision of operation setting
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements visual feedback by displaying the eccentric mechanism's rotational position and attachment device operation positions on a circular image. As operators input settings, the system visually confirms the positional relationships on the circular display, allowing operators to verify and adjust settings for accurate timing without relying solely on numerical input and personal imagination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the setting interface from a two-dimensional table to a circular graphical representation that mirrors the actual rotational motion of the eccentric mechanism. This dimensional transformation allows operators to visually perceive the timing and positional relationships, improving setting precision while maintaining the flexibility to configure various operation parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If conventional table interface is used, then settings can be made, but different settings may result from operator imagination rather than intended operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to complete settingVSAvoidaccuracy of operation setting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy of the actual eccentric mechanism rotation on the display unit, showing the rotational position and attachment device operation positions in a circular format. This visual representation eliminates the ambiguity of table interfaces by directly displaying the spatial and temporal relationships, ensuring that settings match the operator's intended operation rather than relying on subjective imagination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time visual feedback on the circular display as operators configure settings. The display shows the actual positional relationships between slide motion and attachment device operation, allowing operators to verify their settings and make corrections, thereby ensuring reliable and accurate configuration that matches operational intentions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables easy and accurate setting of attachment device operations by providing visual feedback, reducing errors and increasing operator confidence in setting complex motion patterns.

Implementation Method 1

transforming a rotation of an electric motor into a reciprocating linear motion of a slide by using an eccentric mechanism which transforms a rotational motion into a linear motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP3731046B1Press machine and method of setting operation for press machine
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 AIDA ENGINEERING LTD
  • EP3731046B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3731046B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3731046B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A press machine includes a display unit which displays a first image in a circular shape corresponding to a rotation of an eccentric mechanism and representing one stroke of slide operation and a second image in a circular-arc shape corresponding to an operation of an attachment device interlocked with the press machine, and an operation unit which receives an input operation. The first image indicates at least one slide operation region. The second image is placed concentrically with the first image in relation to the slide operation region. The second image has opposed ends each allowed to move in response to the input operation in a direction in which the second image extends.