Tool Magazine Transport Optimization for Idle-Time Re-Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools experience waiting times during tool transport between the magazine and spindle, which increases production duration due to the need for frequent re-sorting and adaptation of tool magazine occupancy when production programs change, leading to reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method for computer-aided optimization of tool transports that integrates relocation into waiting times by recording tool sets, location requirements, movement times, and available intervals, allowing tool transports to be allocated and performed during machine operation, using mixed-integer linear optimization to minimize waiting times and avoid deadlocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If tools are re-sorted in the magazine to optimize tool transport, then waiting times are reduced, but production must be suspended for re-sorting
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary planning of tool re-sorting operations before production starts or during idle periods. The optimization algorithm calculates optimal magazine configurations in advance, so that when production resumes, tools are already in their optimal positions, eliminating the need to suspend production for re-sorting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous production by integrating tool re-sorting operations into existing waiting times and idle periods during machine operation. The magazine operating apparatus performs re-sorting tasks during periods when the machine tool is not actively processing, ensuring that useful action (production) continues without interruption.
2Loss of time
If magazine occupancy is adapted to minimize waiting time, then tool transport efficiency improves, but the system becomes complex when programs change
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the current magazine occupancy, tool usage patterns, and program changes. Based on this feedback, the optimization algorithm dynamically recalculates and adjusts the optimal magazine configuration. This closed-loop approach automates the complexity of managing magazine occupancy adaptations when production programs change.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method and a device for the computer-aided optimization of tool transportation operations for at least one tool magazine that has a number of magazine spaces and is used or is able to be used for a machine tool that is used to produce one or more workpieces with the aid of the tools provided at a provision space by a magazine device. The input comprises the set of tools and the space requirement of each tool and a permissible starting magazine occupancy. In step 1, a set of available time intervals is determined. In step 2, one or more tool transportation operations are assigned to a respective time interval under the condition that the movement period for the tool transportation operation is less than or equal to the length of the time interval. In step 3, one or more tool transportation operations are performed.