Virtual Axis Completion Detection for CNC Machining Time Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods struggle to accurately predict machining time in CNC machine tools when stop commands for axes are frequent or when high-inertia axes are used, and collecting actual machining data is time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A machining time predicting apparatus that analyzes the machining program to generate operation commands, simulates axis operations, and determines operation completion based on virtual responses, allowing for accurate time prediction without actual data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If actual machining data is collected to predict machining time, then prediction accuracy is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining time prediction accuracyVSAvoiddata collection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the machining system through simulation, where a virtual machine tool replicates the behavior of the actual machine tool. This virtual model allows machining time prediction without needing to collect actual machining data from the physical system, thereby maintaining prediction accuracy while eliminating time-consuming data collection processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary simulation of the machining process before actual machining occurs. By pre-simulating the entire machining sequence including axis movements, tool paths, and operation completions, the system predicts machining time in advance without requiring subsequent data collection from actual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If axis operation completion is determined using actual sensor data, then determination accuracy is improved, but system complexity and measurement difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxis operation completion determination accuracyVSAvoidvirtual response detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the virtual machine tool to generate virtual responses that replicate actual sensor data. These virtual responses indicate axis operation completion without requiring physical sensors, thereby maintaining determination accuracy while simplifying the detection process by working with simulated data instead of physical measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20250238014A1Axis operation completion determination device and method for determining completion of axis operation

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A machining time prediction device for a machine tool that controls at least one axis to machine a workpiece on the basis of a machining program, the machining time prediction device comprising: an analysis unit that analyzes the machining program and generates operation instructions for the axis; an execution control unit that supervises the execution of operation instructions, instructs the operation of the axis on the basis of the result of analyzing the machining program and determines that the operation of the axis is complete; an axis control unit that generates control commands on the basis of the axis operation instructions; a machining time prediction unit that measures the time required to execute the machining program and predicts the machining time; and an axis operation simulation unit that simulates the operation of the axis on the basis of the control commands and outputs virtual responses.