Tool Change Time Prediction Using Inter-Tool Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining time prediction devices cannot accurately calculate the execution time of auxiliary functions for tool changes, as it varies with tool type, machine structure, and tool storage positions, making direct measurement or theoretical values unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A machining time prediction device that includes a tool change auxiliary function command extraction unit, tool position calculation unit, inter-tool distance calculation unit, and tool change time prediction unit, which extracts commands from machining programs, calculates tool positions, determines inter-tool distances, and predicts execution times using a database associating distances with actual execution times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If actual measurement or theoretical values are used to obtain tool change execution time, then the prediction can be obtained, but the accuracy is insufficient because execution time varies with tool type, machine structure, and tool storage positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by considering multiple variables that affect tool change execution time, including tool type, machine structure, and tool storage positions. The system calculates the distance between tool storage positions as a key parameter and uses this along with other parameters to select appropriate prediction values from a database, thereby achieving accurate predictions that adapt to different machining conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tool change process into distinct components: extracting tool change commands from the machining program, calculating storage positions of tools, determining distances between positions, and selecting prediction values from a database. This segmentation allows each component to be processed independently and contributes to the overall accurate prediction of execution time
2Reliability
If a simple measurement method is used, then the system remains simple, but it cannot account for variations in tool type, machine structure, and tool storage positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the prediction system adaptive to changing conditions. The system dynamically selects prediction values from the database based on the specific tool type, machine structure, and tool storage positions involved in each tool change operation. This dynamic selection ensures reliable predictions regardless of the specific machining scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a database that stores prediction values for different tool change scenarios. The system acts as an intermediary between the machining program and the execution time prediction, using the database to translate specific tool change conditions into accurate time predictions without requiring direct measurement for each case
Data Source
AI summary
A device configured to predict an execution time of an auxiliary function for tool change extracts an auxiliary function command for tool change from a machining program, calculates the storage position of a before-exchange tool and the storage position of an after-exchange tool, based on the auxiliary function command, and calculates a distance between tools, based on the results of the calculation. Also, the prediction device predicts the execution time of the auxiliary function command for tool change with reference to a database in which the distance between tools is associated with an actual value of the auxiliary function execution time for tool change.