Tool Rest Holder Allocation for Continuous Machining
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Machine tools face challenges in continuous machining when there are insufficient normal tools, as attaching unused tools can disrupt operations, particularly when there are more holders for one type of machining than the other, leading to inefficiencies and potential interruptions in both inner and outer diameter machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A machine tool system with a tool rest, machining control unit, tool storage unit, and tool management unit that identifies unused tools and strategically redistributes normal tools across holders to ensure continuous operation, even when there are fewer usable tools, by attaching unused tools to the holder with the greater number of holders of the same type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If unused tools are attached to holders during tool change, then the tool storage unit can be kept full, but machining operations may be interrupted when the unused tool is selected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of unused tools in the storage unit before tool change occurs. The control unit proactively determines which tools are unused and prevents their attachment to holders, thereby avoiding future machining interruptions while maintaining optimal tool inventory
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors tool usage status and provides feedback to the tool changing unit. This feedback mechanism ensures that unused tools are identified and excluded from attachment decisions, maintaining reliability while managing tool inventory effectively
2Reliability
If normal tools are prioritized for attachment, then machining continuity is maintained, but the tool storage unit may become insufficiently stocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively identifies unused tools before tool change is needed and retains them in the storage unit. This preliminary action ensures that normal tools remain available for attachment while maintaining adequate tool inventory, preventing both storage depletion and machining interruptions
3Reliability
If tool change is performed frequently to maintain normal tool availability, then machining reliability improves, but productivity decreases due to increased downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit identifies unused tools in advance before tool change operations. This preliminary identification allows the system to make informed attachment decisions that maintain reliability without requiring frequent tool changes, thereby reducing downtime and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously manages tool selection by identifying unused tools and preventing their attachment. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention or frequent tool change adjustments, maintaining reliability while maximizing machining efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In a case of attaching a plurality of tools of the same type to a tool rest (102, 164), machining work is continued even when a sufficient number of normal tools are not left. A machine tool (100) includes a tool rest (102, 164) including a first holder (168A) for an innerdiameter side and a second holder (168B) for an outer-diameter side, a machining control unit (116) configured to control the tool rest (102, 164) to machine the workpiece, a tool changing unit (114) configured to change tools, and a tool management unit (130) configured to identify an unused tool. In a case of attaching a plurality of tools of the same type to both the first and second holders, when the number of the first holders (168A) is larger than the number of the second holders (168B), the tool changing unit (114) attaches the unused tool to the first holder (168A).