Centralized Parameter Distribution for Container Processing Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing systems for treating containers require lengthy and concentration-intensive parameter setting processes for each machine during product changes, which is inefficient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A method where default parameters are output to control devices, allowing derivation and distribution of required parameters across machines, with a main control device managing and ensuring complete parameterization without manual entry on each machine, enabling machines to communicate and self-parameterize.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If parameters are set individually on each machine during product changes, then each machine can be precisely configured for the specific product, but the parameterization process becomes lengthy and requires very high user concentration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter configuration accuracyVSAvoidparameterization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the parameter setting operations of multiple machines into a single centralized parameterization process. The master control device collects parameters from all treatment devices and creates a unified parameter set that is distributed to all machines, eliminating the need for separate parameter entry on each machine while maintaining precise configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The master control device acts as an intermediary between the user and the multiple treatment devices. It receives parameter inputs, processes them into default parameters, and distributes them to sequential control devices, thereby reducing the time and concentration required while ensuring accurate parameter configuration across all machines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complete set of parameters is entered for each machine via a central location, then all machines can be uniformly configured, but the procedure remains lengthy and requires high user concentration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem-wide parameter consistencyVSAvoidparameterization ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service parameterization where the master control device automatically generates default parameters and distributes them to sequential control devices without requiring manual intervention at each machine. The treatment devices themselves request and receive the parameters they need, making the system self-configuring rather than requiring continuous user input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The master control device performs preliminary parameter preparation by collecting all necessary parameters in advance and creating a complete parameter set before distribution. This preliminary action ensures that all machines receive their required parameters in one go, eliminating the need for sequential manual configuration and reducing both time and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple treatment devices are used for container processing, then the system can handle diverse treatment requirements, but the parameter setting complexity increases for each additional machine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment device functionalityVSAvoidparameterization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master control device serves as a universal control platform that manages parameters for multiple different treatment devices (blow molding machines, filling machines, labeling machines, etc.). It provides a single interface and unified parameter management system that works across all device types, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from managing each device separately.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The parameter management system is segmented into hierarchical levels: the master control device handles overall parameter collection and distribution, while sequential control devices handle device-specific parameter reception and application. This segmentation allows each component to focus on a specific task, reducing the overall complexity of managing parameters across multiple diverse treatment devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3347778B1Apparatus and method for processing containers having querying processing devices
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 KRONES AG
  • EP3347778B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3347778B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for processing containers (10), wherein the containers (10) are processed by means of a first processing device (2) in a first predetermined manner and are transported by means of a transport device (4) to a second processing device (6) and are processed by this second processing device (6) in a second predetermined manner, and wherein the processing devices (2, 6) are in each case controlled by at least control devices (20, 62, 82, 122, 142, 162), wherein for the control parameters are used which are characteristic of the containers (10) and/or the processing of the containers (10). According to the invention, predetermination parameters (V) are output on at least one and preferably on a plurality of the control devices (62, 82, 122, 142, 162), and said output predetermination parameters (V) are compared with parameters (P1, P2, P3... Pn) required by at least one processing device, and it is checked whether the parameters required by the at least one processing device (6, 8, 12, 14, 16) can be derived at least from the predetermination parameters (V).