Press Machine Timing Interface for Slide and Accessory Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of press machines face difficulties in intuitively setting slide operations to avoid interference between slide motion and accessory device operations, requiring high skill levels, especially in servo press machines where slide operations can be arbitrarily changed.

Innovation Solution

A press machine with a user interface and display system that visually represents slide and movement operations using annular and arc-shaped images, allowing operators to easily recognize and set the relationship between slide and movement operations, including determination of settable regions and timing for slide stop processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a tabular interface is used for setting operation timing, then the setting process can be completed, but it becomes difficult for operators to intuitively recognize the relationship between slide operation and accessory device operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitive recognition of operational relationshipVSAvoidvisual representation of timing relationship
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the conventional tabular timing setting interface into a visual circular diagram that represents the rotational cycle of the eccentric mechanism. The slide operation timing is displayed as angular positions on the circle, and the accessory device operation timing is shown as arcs or markers on the same circle. This dimensional transformation from tabular data to visual spatial representation allows operators to intuitively grasp the timing relationship between slide operation and accessory device operation by seeing their relative positions on the circular cycle.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If numerical value input is used for timing switch setting, then the setting can be completed, but operators with different skill levels may produce different results from intended settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of operation settingVSAvoidskill level requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the eccentric mechanism's rotational cycle on the display screen. Instead of requiring operators to input numerical values that abstractly represent timing, the system displays a graphical model where the operator can visually see the slide position at different crank angles and the corresponding accessory device operation timing. This visual copy serves as a reference that guides the operator to make accurate settings without requiring deep understanding of the mechanical cycle, thereby reducing skill-level dependency while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If conventional timing switch setting methods are used, then the accessory device operation can be controlled, but the margin to avoid interference between slide operation and accessory device operation cannot be easily evaluated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavoidance of interference between operationsVSAvoidvisual feedback on operational margin
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs color coding in the visual display to indicate the timing relationship and potential interference between slide operation and accessory device operation. Different colors are used to represent different operational states or risk levels. For example, the display may show green for safe timing margins, yellow for caution zones, and red for potential interference areas. This color-based visual feedback allows operators to immediately assess whether the current timing settings will cause interference without requiring complex calculations or interpretation of numerical data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 operators to confidently set slide and movement operations while visually recognizing their relationship, reducing the risk of interference and increasing operational efficiency by simplifying the setting process regardless of operator skill level.

Implementation Method 1

converting rotation of an electric motor into reciprocating linear motion of a slide by an eccentric mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentUS12158738B2Press machine and operation setting method of press machine
Publication Date: 2024.12.03 AIDA ENGINEERING LTD
  • US12158738B2 patent drawing
  • US12158738B2 patent drawing
  • US12158738B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A press machine includes a display that displays a plurality of images, and a processor that generates a plurality of images corresponding to a slide operation and a movement operation. The plurality of images include a first image having an annular shape, a second image having an arc shape, and a third image. A first region of the second image represents a movement time required for the movement operation, a third region represents a stop time required for a slide stop process, and a second region represents a delay time until the slide stop process starts after the movement time elapses. The processor displays the third image on the display as a determination element for determining whether the slide operation and the movement operation are settable in a relationship between the slide operation and the movement operation based on an input from the user interface.