Remote Operator Pendant for Metrology Machine Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metrology machines for gear inspection require operators to frequently return to the machine station for manual operations, which is cumbersome, especially for larger machines, and lacks enhanced remote functionality for improved productivity.
Innovation Solution
A remote pendant with a non-configurable user interface, featuring a touch screen, webcam, and voice recording capabilities, extending the main computer monitor's functionality to allow operators to jog machine axes, view messages, and provide visual feedback, reducing the need to return to the operator station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If operators use the fixed operator panel at the machine station, then they can perform manual operations, but they must frequently return to the machine station which is cumbersome and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The operator panel functionality is segmented from the main machine station and implemented as a separate, movable remote pendant. This allows the control interface to be physically separated from the machine, enabling operators to perform manual operations at convenient locations without returning to the fixed machine station, thereby improving both productivity and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication system acts as an intermediary between the remote pendant and the machine control system. This intermediary enables real-time transmission of control commands and status information without requiring physical connection or proximity to the machine station, resolving the contradiction by allowing operators to control the machine from any location within range
2Ease of operation
If a remote pendant is provided for manual operations, then operator convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote pendant is designed as a multi-functional device that combines joystick control, axis selection, feedrate adjustment, and machine status monitoring in a single unit. This universal design provides comprehensive operation capabilities without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection and physical presence at the machine station are replaced with a wireless communication system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex wired connections and physical infrastructure, allowing remote operation capability to be achieved with minimal increase in overall system complexity
3Ease of operation
If the pendant displays full machine interface functionality, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote pendant displays a simplified copy of the essential machine interface elements through its LCD screen, showing only the most critical status information and controls needed for manual operation. This selective copying provides sufficient ease of operation for common tasks while avoiding the complexity and cost of replicating the entire machine interface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
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AI summary
A remote pendant (20) for a metrology machine. The pendant comprises a non- configurable user interface which is an extension of the main computer monitor wherein the screens shown on a monitor of the pendant are created by application and/or control software running on the computer control of the machine. The remote pendant further comprises camera and/or webcam (30) features as well as voice recording capabilities. With the remote pendant, the machine operator can view messages appearing on the main computer screen and respond to any prompts via a touch screen (28) on the pendant thereby eliminating the need to return to the machine operator station.