Machine Tool Warm-Up Evaluation Using Temperature and Power Data

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional warm-up methods for machine tools require creating multiple programs for various conditions and rely on fixed efficiency criteria, making it difficult to perform an appropriate warm-up operation adaptively.

Innovation Solution

A warm-up evaluation device and method that uses a numerical controller with a temperature data acquisition unit, parameter value acquisition unit, evaluation data acquisition unit, learning unit, and evaluation unit to learn a machine learning model, allowing for the determination of optimal parameter values for a warm-up program based on temperature data and evaluation criteria such as time and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixed warm-up programs are created for various conditions, then warm-up operation can be performed for different ambient conditions, but the system lacks adaptability to specific situations and requires complex program management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to specific conditionsVSAvoidprogram management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static fixed warm-up programs to a dynamic evaluation system that selects appropriate programs based on real-time conditions. The evaluation unit dynamically assesses multiple candidate programs against current temperature, humidity, and operational requirements to determine the most suitable warm-up program, enabling adaptability without requiring manual program management for each condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the evaluation unit receives information about current machine conditions (temperature, humidity) and operational requirements, then uses this feedback to select the appropriate warm-up program. This closed-loop approach allows the system to adapt to specific situations automatically without complex pre-programming for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If fixed evaluation criteria based on efficiency only are used, then warm-up operation can be standardized, but appropriate warm-up operation cannot be performed depending on specific situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewarm-up operation efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to specific situations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the evaluation parameters from fixed efficiency-only criteria to a multi-parameter evaluation system that includes temperature conditions, humidity, power consumption, and operational requirements. This allows the system to balance efficiency with adaptability by adjusting evaluation criteria based on specific situational parameters rather than using rigid fixed standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If warm-up operation is performed to maintain constant thermal displacement and motion accuracy, then machine accuracy is stabilized, but the warm-up period may be extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine accuracy stabilityVSAvoidwarm-up operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by evaluating multiple warm-up programs and selecting the most appropriate one based on current conditions rather than always performing a complete full warm-up. The evaluation unit determines the minimum necessary warm-up duration and intensity required to achieve acceptable accuracy stability, avoiding excessive warm-up time while maintaining sufficient machine accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11556142B2Warm-up evaluation device, warm-up evaluation method, and warm-up evaluation program

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A warm-up evaluation device includes: a temperature data acquisition unit that acquires temperature data before warm-up operation when a machine performs the warm-up operation; a parameter value acquisition unit that acquires parameter values set in a program for performing the warm-up operation; an evaluation data acquisition unit that acquires evaluation data for evaluating a result of the warm-up operation; a learning unit that learns a machine learning model which receives the temperature data and the parameter values as an input and outputs the evaluation data on the basis of a plurality of warm-up operations performed by the same or the same types of machines; and an evaluation unit that inputs candidates for the parameter values to the machine learning model together with the temperature data and outputs the evaluation data when the same or the same types of machines perform a new warm-up operation.