Tool Warehouse Layout Using Actual Tool Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool warehouses in machining centers have inefficiencies due to unused housings and increased tool change times because they consider the maximum overall size of tools, leading to reduced storage capacity and longer access times.
Innovation Solution
A method and working center that utilize a logic control unit to optimize tool arrangement in warehouses by considering the actual shape and size of each tool, calculating optimal positions to maximize housing usage and minimize collisions, using digital models and scanning systems to determine precise tool dimensions and positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the maximum overall size of tools is considered for arrangement, then collisions between tools are prevented, but the number of usable housings decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by considering the actual shape and dimensions of each tool rather than using a uniform maximum size envelope. The control unit calculates precise collision-free zones for each tool based on its specific geometry, allowing adjacent housings to be utilized when the actual tool dimensions permit, thereby increasing the number of usable housings while maintaining collision prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter from maximum overall size to actual tool dimensions and shape characteristics. By using the real geometric parameters of each tool in the arrangement calculation, the system optimizes housing utilization while ensuring no collisions occur during tool operations
2Reliability
If adjacent housings are left free to prevent collisions, then tool safety is ensured, but storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of leaving entire adjacent housings free, the system calculates the actual collision-free zones based on each tool's specific shape and size. This allows tools to be placed in housings that would traditionally be left empty, maximizing storage capacity while maintaining tool safety through precise spatial arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary calculation of the optimal arrangement before tools are physically placed in housings. By pre-determining the safe and optimal positions based on actual tool dimensions, the system ensures tool safety while maximizing the utilization of available housing space
3Device complexity
If tools are arranged based on maximum size, then collision avoidance is simplified, but tool change times increase due to multiple warehouse accesses
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary optimization of tool arrangement based on actual tool dimensions and machining requirements. By pre-calculating the optimal positions and organizing tools efficiently in the warehouse, the system reduces the number of warehouse accesses needed during tool changes, thereby reducing tool change time despite the increased complexity of the arrangement calculation
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a Method for arranging tools inside at least one warehouse (4), comprising a plurality of housings (41a,b,...,n), of a working center (C) for working pieces made of wood, plastic, metal, glass, fiberglass, ceramic and the like, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a. receiving data relating to the shape and the size of at least one first (33k) and second (33j) tool; b. receiving data relating to at least the number of said housings (41a,b,...,n) and their reciprocal position in said at least one warehouse (4); c. verifying, according to said data received in said steps a. and b., that at least one arrangement of said at least one first (33k) and second (33j) tool in said plurality of housings (41a,b,...,n) complies with at least one first criterion; d. housing said at least one first (33k) and second (33j) tool in said plurality of housings (41a,b,...,n) according to said at least one arrangement. The present invention also relates to a machining center which implements the method.