Adaptive Closed-Loop Control for Tempering Circles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closed-loop control devices for molding machines exhibit unstable control behavior and require frequent reparameterization when operating points or tools change, leading to slow or unstable transient responses due to the nonlinear relationship between tempering medium flow rate and temperature differences.

Innovation Solution

A closed-loop control device that calculates the actuation value based on the present operating point using a transformation rule or adaptive parameterization, allowing for uniform and stable control behavior across different operating points and tools, eliminating the need for manual reparameterization when tools or processes change.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional closed-loop control device is used with fixed parameterization, then the control behavior varies depending on the operating point, but implementing adaptive parameterization increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol stabilityVSAvoidcontrol device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically adapts its parameters based on the detected operating point. The control unit receives information about the current operating point and adjusts control parameters accordingly, transforming a static control system into a dynamic one that maintains optimal performance across varying conditions without requiring complex manual reparameterization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device automatically detects its own operating point and self-adjusts its parameters without external intervention. The system monitors its own state and performs adaptive parameterization autonomously, eliminating the need for user intervention while maintaining simplicity of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If manual reparameterization is performed for each tool change or operating point change, then control accuracy can be maintained, but productivity decreases due to repeated adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control accuracyVSAvoidtool change efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device pre-stores multiple parameter sets corresponding to different operating points or tool configurations. When an operating point change is detected, the system automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate pre-configured parameters, eliminating the need for manual reparameterization and maintaining both accuracy and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically changes control parameters based on detected operating conditions. By monitoring operating point changes and automatically adjusting parameters accordingly, the system maintains manufacturing precision across different tools and conditions without requiring manual intervention, thus preserving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the flow rate of tempering medium is increased to improve transient response, then temperature difference control becomes unstable, but reducing flow rate improves stability while slowing response

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransient response speedVSAvoidtemperature control stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts the flow rate based on the current operating point and transient conditions. During transient phases, the system automatically increases flow rate to improve response speed, while during steady-state operation, it reduces flow rate to maintain stability, achieving both fast response and stable control through adaptive parameterization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution ensures consistent control behavior across varying operating conditions, automatically adapting to changes in tools and processes, thereby stabilizing temperature control and reducing the need for user intervention in parameter adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

The tempering medium is lead away from the tool by means of a return conduit. The temperature of the tempering medium in the tool changes depending on a tool temperature to a return temperature.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS10606220B2Closed-loop control device for controlling at least one control value of at least one tempering circle
Publication Date: 2020.03.31 ENGEL AUSTRIA
  • US10606220B2 patent drawing
  • US10606220B2 patent drawing
  • US10606220B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A closed-loop control device includes a target value entrance for inputting a target value for at least one control value, an actual value entrance for inputting an actual value for the at least one control value, wherein the actual value is determined based on the at least one measuring value, a calculation unit for calculating the actuation value based on a deviation of the actual value from the target value in such a way that the actual value follows the target value, and a control exit for outputting the actuation value for an actuator of the at least one tempering circle. The calculation unit is configured in such a way that the actuation value is calculated based on the present operating point or in a manner adapted to the present operating point.