Start Limiting Device for Machine Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing start limiting devices for machine tools face issues such as temporary overlap with holidays during relocation detection, erroneous shutdowns due to seismic vibrations, and prolonged downtime when the manufacturer is unable to restart the equipment, leading to operational inefficiencies and economic losses.
Innovation Solution
A start limiting device that includes a start prohibition unit, a command reception unit, a time condition determination unit, and a start prohibition releasing unit, allowing for the release of start prohibition with a unique password or temporary prohibition releasing command, enabling flexible operation timing adjustments and minimizing downtime by considering business days and recovery states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation limiting unit permits machine tool operation during a predetermined period after relocation detection, then the machine tool can be used without immediate prohibition, but the operation may temporarily overlap with holidays or expire during holidays causing extended downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the predetermined period from a fixed time duration to a dynamic period that adapts based on detection timing. When relocation is detected on a business day, the period extends to cover the next business day; when detected on a holiday, the period starts from the next business day. This dynamic adjustment ensures the operation period always aligns with actual business operations, preventing overlap with holidays and eliminating extended downtime.
2Reliability
If the relocation detection unit detects vibrations as relocation, then unauthorized relocation can be prevented, but erroneous detection of seismic vibrations causes forced task abortion even when no actual relocation occurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a determination unit as an intermediary between the relocation detection unit and the operation limiting unit. This determination unit analyzes detection results to distinguish between actual relocation and seismic vibrations by evaluating vibration patterns, duration, and magnitude. Only when actual relocation is confirmed does the system limit operation; seismic vibrations are filtered out, preventing erroneous shutdowns while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If the manufacturer cannot issue password or dispatch service person due to earthquake, then relocation prevention is maintained, but the machine tool remains unavailable for extended periods causing economic loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the machine tool to perform self-service by allowing operation during the predetermined period without requiring manufacturer intervention. When relocation is detected and the determination unit confirms it, the system automatically enters a limited operation mode that permits continued use during the predetermined period. This eliminates the need for immediate password issuance or service person dispatch, allowing the machine to serve itself and maintain productivity even when the manufacturer is unavailable due to earthquakes or other disruptions.
Data Source
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AI summary
This start limiting device (1) is provided with a start prohibiting means (11) which prohibits starting a device (2) when movement of said device (2) is detected, and a start prohibition releasing means (14) which releases the prohibition by the start prohibiting means (11) on starting the device (2); when movement of said device (2) is detected, the start prohibiting means (11) prohibits starting the device (2) such that the prohibition on starting the device can be released by the start prohibition releasing means (14). This start limiting device (1) is provided with a command receiving means (12) which receives a prescribed command, and the start prohibition releasing means (14) is configured to release the prohibition on starting the device until it is determined that a prescribed time condition has been satisfied from the time that the command receiving means (12) receives the aforementioned command.