Unified Coating Control Interface for Multi-Apparatus Parameter Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coating control systems face complexity in setting and controlling diverse coating apparatuses, requiring specific settings for each type, which complicates the process and increases user burden.

Innovation Solution

A coating control system that includes a selection unit for choosing a control target apparatus, a parameter setting unit for specifying and setting parameters based on user input, and an operation control unit for controlling the apparatus, allowing for unified setting and operation across different types of coating apparatuses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If specific settings are configured for each type of coating apparatus, then control precision for each device is improved, but device complexity and user burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidsetting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus is designed to universally control multiple types of coating apparatuses (spray coating, dip coating, flow coating) through a single unified interface. The setting screen displays common parameters applicable to all device types, eliminating the need for separate setting procedures for each apparatus type while maintaining precise control capabilities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects the connected coating apparatus type and dynamically adjusts the displayable parameters and control settings specific to that device type. This allows the universal interface to present only relevant local settings for each apparatus type, reducing user burden while maintaining control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If multiple coating apparatus types are controlled by a single control apparatus, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus dynamically adapts its interface and control parameters based on the detected coating apparatus type. The system automatically reconfigures displayable settings and control behavior to match the connected device, enabling a single apparatus to seamlessly handle multiple device types without requiring manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automatic device type detection that provides feedback to the control logic, enabling the control apparatus to adjust its operation mode and parameter set based on the connected coating apparatus type. This feedback mechanism simplifies operation by eliminating manual device configuration while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4066946A1Coating control system, coating control apparatus, setting apparatus of coating control apparatus, setting method of coating control apparatus, and program
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 YASKAWA DENKI KK
  • EP4066946A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4066946A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4066946A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A setting apparatus includes a selection unit configured to select based on a user input a control target apparatus among a plurality of coating apparatuses which include different devices; a parameter setting unit configured to specify a setting parameter that is to be set by a user according to a result by the selection unit and set a value of the setting parameter based on a user input; and a setting transmission unit configured to transmit the result by the selection unit and a setting result by the parameter setting unit to a coating control apparatus which is configured to control the plurality of coating apparatuses.