Wire Electrode Inclination Control for Step Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire electrical discharge machining techniques require complex setups and additional steps to prevent streaks of incision in step portions of workpieces, often involving presetting the wire electrode inclination and controlling energy, which increases setup time and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A wire electrical discharge machine that detects plate thickness changes and controls the wire electrode inclination starting position anterior to the step portion, allowing for real-time adjustment and automatic finishing of the inclination during machining, reducing setup time and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the section sandwiching the step portion is preset before machining and the wire electrode is inclined at a predetermined angle, then it is possible to machine by inclining the wire electrode to the step portion, but it takes a larger number of steps for setup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuppression of streak of incisionVSAvoidnumber of setup steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the step portion position and determines when to incline the wire electrode based on real-time machining state monitoring, eliminating the need for manual presetting of inclination sections. The machining state detection unit autonomously identifies when the wire electrode enters or exits the step portion, and the control unit automatically adjusts the inclination angle accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual setup procedures with an automated detection and control system that uses machining state monitoring (electrical discharge current, power consumption) to automatically determine wire electrode inclination timing, substituting mechanical presetting operations with intelligent automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the wire electrode is gradually returned from a position passing the step portion to the original state, then machining is completed, but additional control steps increase setup complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining completionVSAvoidcontrol steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors machining state parameters (electrical discharge current, power consumption) to detect when the wire electrode has passed through the step portion, providing real-time feedback to the control unit which then automatically returns the wire electrode to its original state, eliminating manual intervention for return positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the machining state detection unit and the wire electrode positioning system, automatically translating detection signals into appropriate inclination adjustments and return movements, simplifying the overall control process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the position of the step portion is detected from the state of machining the workpiece, then the detection is adaptive, but the wire electrode cannot be inclined in the detection step so the fulcrum of oscillation rapidly changes and streaks generate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestep portion detectionVSAvoidsuppression of streak of incision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by inclining the wire electrode immediately when the detection unit identifies entry into the step portion, proactively preventing streak formation rather than reacting after detection. The inclination is activated in advance during the detection phase itself, ensuring the wire electrode is properly positioned before completing the step portion machining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If energy applied from the power source is controlled by detecting the step portion, then machining conditions can be optimized, but additional control mechanisms increase system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachining qualityVSAvoidcontrol mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machining state detection unit serves multiple functions: it detects the step portion position, determines when to incline the wire electrode, monitors machining quality, and triggers the return to original state. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate detection and control mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high machining precision.

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

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient step machining by setting only the front position of the step portion during setup, reducing setup time and preventing streaks of incision by dynamically controlling the wire electrode inclination based on detected plate thickness changes.

Implementation Method 1

electrical discharge machining by relatively moving a wire electrode with respect to a workpiece with electrical discharge generated from a power source for machining between the wire electrode and the workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical discharge: Electric Spark

Implementation Method 2

carrying out electrical discharge machining by relatively moving a wire electrode with respect to a workpiece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMaterial removal by electrical discharge: Electrical Discharge Machining

Data Source

PatentEP2617506B1Wire electrical discharge machine carrying out electrical discharge machining by inclining wire electrode
Publication Date: 2017.04.19 FANUC LTD
  • EP2617506B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2617506B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2617506B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A wire electrical discharge machine is capable of step machining by setting only a position located anterior to a step portion of the workpiece (5) during a setup operation before machining, without setting an inclination finishing position of a wire electrode (4) after passing the step portion. A machining program is read, and when a wire electrode (4) reaches a preset inclination starting position in front of a step position, inclination control of the wire electrode (4) is started. Then, when the wire electrode has passed the position (PB) of the step portion, the inclination control of the wire electrode (4) is finished.