Wireless Tablet NC Operation for Remote Machine Tool Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NC control panels require operators to be physically present at the machine tool to confirm the machine status and execute operations, which is inefficient, and attempting to use a tablet terminal for input operations exceeds its processing capabilities and stability.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool operation system that includes an NC device connected to a machine tool body, a computer for signal processing, and a tablet terminal for wireless communication, allowing input and output of signals to operate the machine tool from any location while displaying the machine's operational status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If operators use traditional NC control panels to execute operations, then they can confirm machine status and operational status, but they must be physically present at the fixed installation location which reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tablet terminal as an intermediary device between the operator and the NC control panel. The tablet terminal wirelessly communicates with the control panel, allowing operators to execute operations and view machine status from any location without being physically present at the fixed control panel installation location, thus resolving the contradiction between operational efficiency and operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the operation system by enabling wireless communication and remote access. Instead of being constrained to a fixed two-dimensional control panel location, operators can now access the machine control system from any location within wireless range, effectively adding a third spatial dimension (mobility) to the operation interface
2Ease of operation
If tablet terminals are used for input operations directly, then operations can be performed from any location, but the processing capability of the tablet terminal is exceeded and stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel serves as an intermediary that handles the complex processing requirements. The tablet terminal acts only as a remote input/output interface, transmitting commands and receiving status information, while the control panel performs the actual processing and control functions, thus maintaining system stability while enabling flexible operation
Solution Approach 2:
The tablet terminal creates a virtual copy of the control panel interface, displaying the same operation screens and receiving the same input commands. This allows operators to interact with the system through a familiar interface on a mobile device without overloading the tablet's processing capabilities, as the actual processing remains on the control panel
3Device complexity
If operators must return to the front of the NC control panel to execute operations after confirming machine status, then all operations can be executed through the control panel, but time is lost due to repeated movement between locations
Solution Approach 1:
The tablet terminal eliminates the need for operators to physically move between the machine location and the control panel location. By wirelessly transmitting commands and receiving status updates, the tablet serves as a mobile intermediary that brings the control panel functionality to any location, thus eliminating time loss due to location transitions while maintaining operational simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide a machine tool operation system that enables inputs to an NC device of a machine tool by use of a tablet terminal from any location and an operation method using the system.The machine tool operation system includes an NC device, a computer connected to the NC device, and a tablet terminal that is in wirelessly communication with the computer and enables inputs and outputs of signals for the NC device via the computer. The tablet terminal includes a display unit that make to display a menu screen on a display screen, an input unit that receives an input from a user, and an input processing unit that outputs an input signal transmitted to the computer based on the input. The computer includes a signal processing unit that outputs a command signal for a machine tool operation based on the input signal. A wireless communication unit to wirelessly send and receive signals between the tablet terminal and computer, and a transmission unit to transmit signals between the computer and NC device are provided.