Automated Tool Delivery Scheduling for Changing Machining Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing systems lack an automated and reliable method for delivering machining tools to machine tools at the shop floor, especially when machining sequences change frequently.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automated tool delivery that involves receiving initial data on machine tools and machining tasks, determining tool availability, generating an updated tool list, calculating delivery schedules, and triggering automated tool delivery to machine tools before or during machining tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual tool delivery and planning methods are used, then flexibility to adapt to changing machining sequences is limited, but system complexity and automation requirements are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating tool delivery schedules and preparing tool lists before machining operations begin. When changes occur, the system proactively recalculates and adjusts delivery schedules in advance, ensuring tools are available when needed without waiting for manual intervention or causing production delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic adaptability by continuously monitoring machining sequences and automatically recalculating tool delivery schedules when changes are detected. The augmented ordered list of machining tools is dynamically updated based on real-time availability data, allowing the system to flexibly respond to changing requirements while maintaining automated control.
2Reliability
If automated tool delivery scheduling is implemented, then tool delivery efficiency and reliability are improved, but system complexity and integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by creating a multi-functional automated scheduling system that handles multiple machine tools, various tool types, and different machining sequences through a single integrated platform. The system can manage tool delivery for diverse machining operations while maintaining a unified approach to scheduling and coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary between MES/ERP systems and the physical tool delivery process. It receives machining task data from higher-level systems, processes this information through automated algorithms, and generates detailed tool delivery schedules that coordinate with manufacturing execution and resource planning systems.
3Loss of time
If real-time tool availability monitoring is implemented, then tool delivery timing accuracy is improved, but data processing requirements and system resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial monitoring by focusing data collection and processing efforts on critical tools and time-sensitive machining operations. Rather than continuously monitoring all tools with equal intensity, the system prioritizes monitoring based on tool importance, availability status, and impact on production schedules, reducing unnecessary data processing while maintaining delivery accuracy for critical operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method comprising: - receiving (S1) initial data, wherein the initial data is descriptive of at least one of a plurality of machine tools (201, 202, 203) at a shop floor for performing a machining task and of the machining task and comprises * location data of the machine tool on the shop floor, * required time interval for performing the machining task, * an ordered list of machining tools (205) required for performing the machining task, wherein the ordering in the list determines a sequence in which the machining tools are to be inserted into the machine tool (201, 202, 203) to perform a part of the machining task corresponding to the machining tool in the sequence, - determining (S2) according to the ordered list of machining tools a machining tools availability data regarding * the availability of the respective machining tool (209) at the shop floor, especially at a tool room and/or at the respective machine tool (202, 203), and * the remaining lifetime of the respective machining tool, - generating (S3) an augmented ordered list of machining tools required for performing the machining task, wherein the augmented ordered list comprises an update of the ordered list which takes the determined machining tools availability data into account, - calculating (S4) machining tools delivery schedule data from the augmented ordered list of machining tools, - triggering (S5) to execute a delivery of the machining tools to the machine tool according to the machining tools delivery schedule data, before or while performing the machining task by the machine tool.