Numerical Controller Turret Rotation Depth of Cut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing numerical controllers for machines with turrets struggle to control depth of cut without using a straight-line movement mechanism for the X axis, which is necessary for machines that rotate the workpiece and require multiple tool attachments, making tool changes cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A numerical controller that calculates and controls the turret's rotation angle to achieve desired X axis coordinates, eliminating the need for a straight-line movement mechanism by using a relational expression between the direct distance from the workpiece center to the tool edge, turret rotation angle, and the distance from the turret center to the tool edge, allowing for multiple tool attachments and efficient machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a straight-line movement mechanism for the X axis is used, then depth of cut control is simple and direct, but machine cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical straight-line movement system (X axis) with a computational control system that calculates turret rotation angles based on the geometric relationship X = R × sin(θ). This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical X-axis movement mechanisms while maintaining depth of cut control capability through mathematical computation and turret rotation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from direct X-axis position control to turret rotation angle control. By using the geometric relationship between X coordinate and rotation angle θ, the system controls depth of cut indirectly through angle parameters rather than direct linear position, simplifying the mechanical structure while preserving control precision.
2Device complexity
If the tool revolves around the fixed workpiece, then depth of cut can be controlled without X axis movement, but tool change becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the tool revolve around a fixed workpiece, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the tool stationary on the turret and rotating the turret itself to achieve the same cutting effect. This inversion maintains the benefits of reduced movement mechanism complexity while enabling easy tool changes through the turret's inherent tool-changing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The turret structure serves multiple functions: it holds multiple tools for easy selection and change, provides rotation control for depth of cut adjustment, and positions the cutting edge at various angles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate X-axis movement mechanisms while maintaining operational ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a turret with multiple tools is used, then tool versatility improves, but controlling depth of cut without X axis movement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the control approach by changing from direct X-axis position control to turret rotation angle control. The control system calculates the required rotation angle θ based on the desired X coordinate using the relationship X = R × sin(θ), where R is the distance from turret center to tool center. This parameter transformation simplifies the control of multiple tools while maintaining depth of cut precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A numerical controller includes a command analysis unit that generates movement command data by analyzing a program command and an axis travel calculation unit that, when the program command commands movement of a tool in a direction of a first straight axis orthogonal to an axis of rotation of a workpiece, converts a command value based on the program command for the movement of the tool in the direction of the first straight axis into a command value for a rotation angle of a turret, and a position of the tool is controlled in accordance with a rotation command for the turret based on the command value for the rotation angle of the turret calculated by the axis travel calculation unit, instead of the command based on the program command for the movement in the direction of the first straight axis.