Tool Data Interface for Multi-CNC Format Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automated mass production, there is a lack of efficient cross-machine tool management, particularly in tool data management, leading to time-consuming and error-prone manual entry of tool data on numerically controlled machine tools.
Innovation Solution
A data interface device that translates tool data from a tool data management device into a target format readable by various control devices, allowing seamless communication and management across multiple machine tools, independent of specific data formats, and enabling bidirectional data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tool data is managed individually on each machine tool, then each machine tool can operate independently, but manual data entry becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data interface device as an intermediary between the tool data management device and multiple control devices. This mediator automatically transfers tool data from the central management device to individual machine tools, eliminating manual data entry and reducing errors while maintaining independent operation of each machine tool.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different data formats are used for different control devices, then each device can be optimized for its specific requirements, but data transmission becomes complex and device-specific
Solution Approach 1:
The data interface device serves as a format conversion intermediary, receiving tool data in one format from the tool data management device and automatically converting it to the appropriate target format for each specific control device. This maintains adaptability to different devices while centralizing conversion logic in the interface device, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes data format parameters based on the target control device requirements. The data interface device detects the specific control device type and automatically adjusts the data format parameters (such as data structure, encoding, or protocol) to match the recipient's requirements, enabling universal compatibility without hardcoding device-specific solutions.
3Extent of automation
If manual data entry is performed at each machine tool, then data can be entered locally, but errors increase and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The data interface device acts as an automated intermediary that transfers tool data from the central management device to individual control devices without human intervention. This automated transfer process eliminates manual data entry errors while maintaining data accuracy through direct digital transmission, and includes error detection capabilities to ensure reliable data delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A data interface device including a first interface module configured for data transmission with a tool data management device, a second interface module configured for data transmission with a control device of a numerically controlled tool machine, and a data processing unit. The data interface device is configured to receive tool data of a tool usable in numerically controlled machine tools from the tool data management device via the first interface module and to transmit the tool data to the control device of the machine tool via the second interface module. The second interface module is connectable to a plurality of control devices of numerically controlled machine tools, and the data processing unit is configured to convert a data format of the tool data received via the first interface module into a target data format readable by a respective control device which receives the tool data.