Acoustic Process Control for Generative Manufacturing Deviation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing process control systems face challenges in monitoring and controlling individually configured manufacturing processes, particularly in generative manufacturing, where deviations can lead to costly defects, and require a cost-effective solution for real-time monitoring and alarm issuance.

Innovation Solution

A process control device equipped with an acoustic output device, such as a synthesizer, generates sound sequences based on robot arm movements and control signals, allowing for comparison with target melodies or rhythms to detect deviations, and includes acoustic sensors and a processor for real-time monitoring and alarm generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If acoustic sensors and reference pattern comparison are used for process monitoring, then manufacturing precision and defect detection are improved, but device complexity and implementation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine tool itself generates the reference acoustic pattern during normal operation, eliminating the need for separate calibration equipment or external reference systems. The system uses its own operational data to establish baseline patterns for comparison

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex physical reference standards, the system creates acoustic signal copies (reference patterns) from actual machine operation that can be stored and compared against future operations, simplifying the monitoring apparatus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If individual component manufacturing processes are monitored, then manufacturing precision is improved, but implementation costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual process monitoringVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single acoustic monitoring system is designed to handle multiple different machining operations (milling, turning, drilling, etc.) and various components using the same basic apparatus, eliminating the need for separate monitoring systems for each process type

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system adapts to different manufacturing processes by changing acoustic parameter thresholds and reference patterns rather than requiring hardware modifications, allowing individual component monitoring across diverse operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If acoustic monitoring systems are implemented for real-time process control, then productivity through early defect detection is improved, but device complexity and initial costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveearly defect detectionVSAvoidsystem implementation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously compares acoustic signals from ongoing operations against stored reference patterns and provides immediate feedback when deviations are detected, enabling real-time corrective action without requiring complex predictive modeling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Reference acoustic patterns are established and stored before actual manufacturing begins, allowing the system to immediately detect deviations during production without requiring complex real-time analysis algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effective monitoring and control of generative manufacturing processes, allowing for early detection of deviations and prevention of defects, thereby reducing waste and maintaining production quality.

Implementation Method 1

acoustic sensor (3) arranged to detect the sound waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave detection: Sound

Implementation Method 2

an acoustic output device (13) used to generate sound, tone, and/or noise. This is a process by which sound waves are actively generated in the air or another medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave generation: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP4050331B1Apparatus and method for process control
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 KSB SE & CO KGAA
  • EP4050331B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for process control. The device comprises at least one acoustic sensor and an optical and/or acoustic warning device. The device includes an acoustic output element.