Distributed Intelligent Maintenance System for CNC Machine Tools Based on Kansei Engineering

Intelligent maintenance system (IMS) is a potential selection for modern CNC machine tools. Based on the theory of Kansei engineering (K-E), a new distributed intelligent maintenance system (DIMS) has been developed for CNC machine tools. The DIMS is mainly composed of expert base, engineer station, K-E operator, concrete processes or conditions, and communication connections. The DIMS has an excellent merit of integrating advanced Kansei characteristics of expressing human´s affections, feelings, emotions into the distributed maintenance units of CNC machine tools. In contrast to general intelligent maintenance system, this new DIMS is able to implant or translate the operator´s feelings into the design parameters of intelligent maintenance system for CNC machine tools. A harmonious relationship between operator and CNC machine tools has been set up by adding operators´ more recognition, understanding, and cooperative communications into modern CNC machine tools. The proposed DIMS is very flexible, high-efficient to the maintenance of CNC machine tools. Furthermore, this provides a new idea and vision for the creative, flexible design and development of the coming high-performance IMS for CNC machine tools.