Blow Molding Interface Segmentation for Control Condition Operability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing blow molding devices require operators to set and adjust numerous control conditions, leading to poor operability due to increased screen shifting when setting or correcting diverse control conditions, which varies based on container shape, specifications, and production quantity.

Innovation Solution

An interface device with a display means for setting control conditions, featuring a main display section for required information, a sub-display section for constant status information, and display switching icons, allowing for the grouping and presetting of control conditions on a single screen to enhance usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the interface device displays all control conditions for multiple control targets on separate screens, then each control condition can be displayed in detail, but the operator must frequently switch screens when setting or correcting control conditions, reducing operability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol condition informationVSAvoidoperability when setting control conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen is segmented into multiple regions: a first region displaying a plurality of control conditions simultaneously, and a second region displaying detailed information about the selected control condition. This segmentation allows operators to view multiple control conditions at once while accessing detailed information without screen switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface implements a nested display structure where the first region (overview of multiple control conditions) contains and is complemented by the second region (detailed information about specific control conditions). This nested arrangement allows both summary and detailed views to coexist within the same screen space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the interface device provides comprehensive control condition settings for multiple control targets, then all necessary parameters can be adjusted, but the complexity of the interface increases, making it harder to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to set control conditions for multiple control targetsVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is segmented into functional regions: a first region for selecting and overviewing multiple control conditions, and a second region for detailed setting and correction. This segmentation reduces interface complexity by organizing numerous controls into logical sections rather than presenting them all at once.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first region serves multiple functions: displaying an overview of all control conditions, allowing selection of specific control conditions, and providing navigation to detailed views. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate interface elements for each function.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3698939B1Blow molding device and interface device provided in blow molding device
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 NISSEI ASB MASCH CO LTD
  • EP3698939B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3698939B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3698939B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This blow molding device is provided with: a display means for displaying on a setting screen information for setting control conditions for a plurality of objects to be controlled; and a display control means for controlling a display state of the setting screen. The display control means is configured to: cause a main display unit to display the information for setting the control conditions, as required; and cause a sub-display unit to constantly display status information which makes it possible to know operational states of the objects to be controlled, and a display switching icon for causing the main display unit to display operating icons of the objects to be controlled.