AR Glasses for Component Documentation in Automated Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Highly automated production systems, such as those in fiber composite manufacturing, face challenges in monitoring and documenting process deviations and errors due to the complexity of data management and lack of integrated error analysis, making it difficult for system operators to efficiently manage and access component documentation.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing augmented reality projection glasses to display three-dimensional component documentation, allowing for positionally accurate projection of manufacturing and maintenance data directly into the operator's field of vision, simplifying error detection and analysis by overlaying real environments with virtual representations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional display systems are used to document process steps and process data, then component documentation can be maintained, but the volume of data becomes impossible for the operator to manage and access efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to component documentationVSAvoidvolume of data
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat displays (monitors, papers) to three-dimensional spatial distribution of information using augmented reality glasses. Component documentation is projected into the operator's field of view at locations corresponding to the physical component, enabling intuitive spatial association between the component and its documentation without increasing data volume complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the component and its documentation that can be overlaid onto the physical component. The augmented reality system projects a digital representation of the component with embedded documentation, allowing operators to access comprehensive information without physically interacting with the component or navigating through large data volumes on conventional displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If separate documents are used to document process steps and process data, then documentation can be maintained, but consistent component documentation and easy access to information are prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to component documentationVSAvoidseparate documentation systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges process steps, process data, and component information into a single integrated augmented reality display. Instead of separate documents for different aspects of component documentation, all information is combined and projected together in the operator's field of view, with spatial relationships maintained between the component and its documentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The augmented reality glasses serve as a universal interface for accessing all types of component documentation (process steps, process data, error information, maintenance instructions) through a single device. The system adapts to display different types of information based on the operator's needs and the context, eliminating the need for multiple separate documentation systems.

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

3Reliability

If traditional documentation methods are used in highly automated manufacturing processes, then existing systems can be maintained, but integrated error analysis during production becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoiddocumentation integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by integrating error detection data from automated manufacturing systems directly into the augmented reality documentation displayed to operators. When errors or deviations occur during production, this information is automatically captured and projected into the operator's field of view at the relevant location, enabling immediate error analysis and correction without switching between systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The augmented reality system acts as an intermediary between automated manufacturing systems and human operators. It translates machine-generated error data and process information into a visual format that operators can intuitively understand and act upon, bridging the gap between automated systems and human decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If the degree of automation is increased in fiber composite manufacturing, then productivity improves, but monitoring and detecting process deviations becomes increasingly difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeposition speedVSAvoidprocess deviation detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual monitoring methods with an automated augmented reality system that electronically captures and displays process information. The system automatically retrieves data from manufacturing systems, processes it, and presents it to operators through augmented reality glasses, eliminating the need for manual data collection and making it feasible to monitor even highly automated processes.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3607419B1Method and device for displaying component documentation
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FÜR LUFT UND RAUMFAHRT E V
  • EP3607419B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3607419B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for displaying component documentation relating to the planning, manufacture and/or maintenance of a component, wherein a three-dimensional representation of the component is projected into the environment with the aid of projecting glasses, wherein parts of the component documentation are displayed in relation to the three-dimensional representation.