Turret Tool Holder Mapping for Automatic Torque Limit Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing turret tool selection instruction methods lack the ability to simply and freely select tools based on machining requirements and execute machining operations appropriately using torque limiting values specific to each tool holder.

Innovation Solution

A tool information setting device that includes a first storage portion for tool holder numbers and associated tool information, a second storage portion for turret face numbers and corresponding tool holder numbers, and a tool information setting portion that acquires and sets the appropriate torque limiting values for selected tools based on turret face numbers from machining programs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional turret tool selection instruction method is used, then tool selection based on turret face number is possible, but it is difficult to simply and freely select tools according to machining requirements and execute machining based on tool-specific information such as torque limiting values

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool selection flexibilityVSAvoidmachining execution simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary data structure (tool holder information management system) that connects turret face numbers to tool-specific parameters. The controller acts as an intermediary that automatically retrieves and applies torque limiting values and other tool information based on the selected turret face, eliminating the need for manual configuration while enabling flexible tool selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing tool holder numbers and their associated torque limiting values in the controller's memory before machining begins. This allows the controller to automatically retrieve and apply the correct tool information when a turret face is selected, simplifying the machining execution process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If tool information such as torque limiting values is manually configured for each tool, then machining can be executed based on tool specifics, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining accuracyVSAvoidinformation management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by enabling automatic retrieval and application of tool information. When a turret face number is input, the controller automatically queries the stored tool holder information, retrieves the corresponding torque limiting values and other parameters, and applies them to the machining process without requiring manual configuration or intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed with universal functionality to manage multiple tool holders and their diverse information requirements. A single data storage structure accommodates various tool-specific parameters (torque limiting values, speed limits, etc.) for different tool holders, allowing the system to handle diverse machining requirements through a unified management approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tool holders with different torque limiting values are mounted on turret faces, then appropriate torque control for each tool is possible, but selecting and managing the correct torque limiting value becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool holder diversityVSAvoidtorque limiting value identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by automatically retrieving the correct torque limiting value based on the turret face number and tool holder number, then applying this information to control the machining process. The controller continuously references the stored tool holder information to ensure the appropriate torque limits are applied for each tool configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary data management layer that maps turret face numbers to tool holder numbers and their corresponding torque limiting values. This intermediary system automatically resolves the relationship between the selected turret face and the correct torque parameters, eliminating the difficulty of manually identifying and configuring the appropriate torque limiting values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12271175B2Tool information setting device and machine tool
Publication Date: 2025.04.08 CITIZEN WATCH CO LTD
  • US12271175B2 patent drawing
  • US12271175B2 patent drawing
  • US12271175B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A tool information setting device includes: a first storage portion in which a tool holder number and a torque limiting value of tool information, which are associated with each other, are stored; a second storage portion in which a turret face number and a tool holder number, which are associated with each other, are stored; and a torque limiting value setting portion as a tool information setting portion that acquires the tool holder number from the second storage portion based on the turret face number described in the machining program. The torque limiting value setting portion acquires a torque limiting value from the first storage portion based on the acquired tool holder number when selecting a predetermined tool by the turret face number of the turret on which the predetermined tool is mounted.