Robot Control Architecture for Flexible CNC and Panel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot control systems are inflexible, requiring a one-to-one correspondence between robots, computer numerical controllers (CNCs), and machine control panels (MCPs), which limits the robots' range and necessitates taking the entire system offline if any component goes offline.
Innovation Solution
A robot control system with multiple CNCs and MCPs wired together, where each CNC obtains a memory store for a robot based on its identifier when connected, allowing a single CNC to control multiple robots and any MCP to be used with any CNC, enhancing adaptability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a one-to-one arrangement is used between robot, computer numerical controller, and machine control panel, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a many-to-many connection architecture where multiple computer numerical controllers and multiple machine control panels are interconnected through a network. Each controller and panel can communicate with multiple robots, allowing any controller to take over control of any robot. This universal connectivity enables flexible reconfiguration and component substitution while maintaining system reliability.
2Measurement precision
If a robot is wired to a specific computer numerical controller, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional hard-wired mechanical connections with a network-based communication system. Controllers, panels, and robots communicate through standardized network protocols, allowing dynamic reconfiguration without physical rewiring. This substitution maintains control precision through deterministic communication while dramatically improving ease of operation through software-based flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robot is moved to a new position, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic identifier recognition and memory store retrieval mechanisms. When a robot connects to a controller, the controller automatically detects the robot's identifier, retrieves the appropriate control parameters and memory stores from storage, and configures the control relationship without manual intervention. This preliminary automation of configuration tasks eliminates setup time losses when robots are moved or reassigned.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple robots share a computer numerical controller, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into modular components with standardized interfaces. Each controller maintains independent memory stores for multiple robots and uses identifier-based routing to manage multiple robot connections. This segmentation allows multiple robots to share a controller through organized, manageable segments rather than creating a monolithic complex system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robot control system comprises a robot, a plurality of computer numerical controllers and a plurality of machine control panels wherein each computer numerical controller is wired to each machine control panel. Each computer numerical controller is configured to obtain a memory store for the robot based on an identifier stored in a robot memory of the robot in response to the robot being connected to the respective computer numerical controller, and use the obtained memory store when controlling the robot. Each machine control panel is configured to provide a user interface that enables a user to control the robot when the robot is connected to any computer numerical controller of the plurality of computer numerical controllers.