Industrial Machine Time-Master Switching for Synchronous Motion Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial systems face challenges in maintaining reliable synchronous motions among multiple machines due to synchronization deviations caused by communication failures and differences in time masters within networked industrial machines.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a configuration where industrial machines include an acquisition unit to detect time masters and a switching unit to adjust control modes based on master information, ensuring synchronization by switching to lower-synchronization modes when time masters change, thereby preventing synchronization deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network communication is used for synchronous motion control of multiple industrial machines, then coordination between machines is improved, but synchronization reliability deteriorates due to communication failures and time master differences
Solution Approach 1:
The control mode is made dynamic by allowing automatic switching between synchronous control mode and asynchronous control mode based on the detected time master status. When time master changes are detected, the system dynamically transitions from synchronous to asynchronous mode to maintain operational reliability while preserving coordination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A time master detection mechanism is introduced as an intermediary layer between the network communication system and the motion control system. This intermediary detects time master changes and triggers appropriate control mode transitions, isolating the impact of network synchronization issues from the motion control operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If synchronous control mode is maintained for coordinated motion, then motion precision is improved, but system stability deteriorates when time masters change
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of time master changes and proactively switches control modes before synchronization deviations can occur. By detecting time master changes in advance and switching to asynchronous mode, the system prevents synchronization errors from degrading motion precision and maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism continuously monitors time master information from the network and provides real-time status to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts control modes to maintain both precision and stability, switching to asynchronous mode when time master changes are detected to prevent synchronization issues.
3Reliability
If automatic switching of control modes is implemented, then synchronization reliability is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-service by automatically detecting time master changes and switching control modes without requiring external intervention or complex manual configuration. The system monitors its own synchronization status and autonomously adjusts operating modes, reducing the need for additional complexity in system management while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To provide a system effective for improving reliability of synchronous motions via network communication of a plurality of industrial machines(20). [Solving method] An industrial system(1) includes two or more industrial machines(20) configured to perform motions synchronized with each other based on a time acquired from a network(2) in which a plurality of nodes(10) are time-synchronized. A first industrial machine(20) included in the two or more industrial machines(20) includes an acquisition unit(111) configured to acquire master information about a time master being a generation source of the time, and a switching unit(117) configured to switch a control mode indicating a degree of the synchronization in accordance with the master information.