Wireless Machine Tool Control for Safe On-Site Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machining operations, such as flange refacing, become challenging when components are on-site and connected to infrastructure, as operators must manually interact with rotating machines, posing a risk to safety.
Innovation Solution
A wireless control assembly that enables remote control of machine tools, allowing operators to control rotational outputs and machine feed along selected axes without direct physical interaction with the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators manually interact with rotating machines to control machining operations, then ease of operation is improved, but operator safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction with the rotating machine by introducing a wireless control system. The handheld control device transmits control signals wirelessly to the machine controller, which then actuates the machine components. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to physically reach into rotating machinery while maintaining full control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless control system as an intermediary between the operator and the rotating machine. The control system includes a handheld device with user interface, wireless communication module, and machine controller that receives and processes control signals. This intermediary layer allows operators to control the machine from a safe distance without direct physical contact with rotating parts.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If operators control machine tools from a distance using wireless control, then operator safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction with wireless electronic control. The handheld control device uses wireless communication protocols to transmit control signals to the machine controller, which then actuates the machine components. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to physically reach into rotating machinery while maintaining full control capability through an intuitive interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless control system as an intermediary between the operator and the rotating machine. The control system includes a handheld device with user interface, wireless communication module, and machine controller that receives and processes control signals. This intermediary layer allows operators to control the machine from a safe distance without direct physical contact with rotating parts.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wireless control system is implemented, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional wireless control system that integrates multiple functions into unified components. The machine controller handles signal reception, processing, and machine actuation. The handheld device provides both control input and system monitoring capabilities. This consolidation of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive control and safety features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control interface and wireless communication capabilities into a single handheld control device. The device combines user interface elements, wireless transceiver, and processing unit in one portable unit. Similarly, the machine controller integrates signal reception, control logic, and machine actuation functions. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique provides for wireless control of a machine tool, e.g. a portable machine tool used on-site. According to an embodiment, a motor is connected with a tool post assembly via a gearbox. The motor is coupled with a machine controller, and the tool post assembly is mounted proximate an object to be machined. For example, the object may be machined via a cutting tool mounted to a cutter post of the tool post assembly. The machine controller operates to control movement of the cutter post along a desired axis during the cutting operation. The machine controller and thus the cutting operation, however, are controlled wirelessly according to control instructions provided via a control device, e.g. a handheld control device, which is placed in wireless communication with the machine controller.