Container Guide Assembly Parameterization for Collision-Free Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide sets for container transportation in beverage bottling plants are prone to incorrect adjustments, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies due to manual parameterization, which can result in collisions and increased risk of errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically parameterizing guide sets using a computer program that creates a system model and CAD model of containers, transferring this information to a solution system to determine optimal parameters for the guide set's position and orientation, utilizing AI and Answer Set Programming to streamline the process and ensure accurate adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual parameterization of guide sets is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to incorrect adjustments and collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated computer-based system that calculates optimal guide set parameters. The control device computes positioning parameters based on container geometry and transport device configuration, eliminating manual intervention and its associated errors, thus improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-parameterization of the guide set by automatically calculating positioning parameters based on container data and transport device characteristics. The guide set adjusts itself through automated control without requiring operator expertise or manual intervention, ensuring consistent and accurate positioning that prevents collisions and damage.
2Device complexity
If manual parameterization of guide sets is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming trial and error adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of optimal guide set positioning parameters before actual container transport begins. The control device computes the necessary positioning parameters based on container geometry and transport device configuration in advance, eliminating time-consuming trial and error adjustments during operation and significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual trial-and-error adjustment with automated computer-based calculation and control. The system quickly computes optimal parameters using algorithms that consider container geometry and transport device characteristics, dramatically reducing adjustment time and improving productivity while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through software-based solutions.
3Device complexity
If fixed guide sets are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates when handling different container types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameterization of the guide set through automated control. The system calculates and adjusts positioning parameters based on the specific container type being handled, allowing the guide set to adapt dynamically to different container geometries while maintaining a relatively simple fixed physical structure. This dynamic adjustment capability provides high adaptability without increasing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positioning parameters of the guide set based on container type and dimensions. The control device computes optimal parameters for different container configurations and adjusts the guide set accordingly, enabling a single fixed guide set structure to serve multiple container types through parameter variation rather than physical reconfiguration.
4Reliability
If automated parameterization with HMI input is used, then reliability is improved compared to manual adjustment, but productivity deteriorates due to operator dependency and error-prone input
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-parameterization by automatically obtaining container geometry data from CAD models or databases and computing optimal positioning parameters through integrated algorithms. The control device performs the entire parameterization process autonomously without requiring operator input through HMI, eliminating both operator errors and the time required for manual data entry and parameter setting, thus improving both reliability and productivity simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method, computer program and system (200) for parameterizing a guide assembly (40) for guiding containers (100) along a trajectory in a device (1) for transporting the containers (100), preferably in a beverage bottling plant, wherein the method comprises: creating a system model (210) comprising at least dependencies between the guide assembly (40) and the containers (100) to be transported; creating at least one CAD model (220) of the containers (100); transferring the system model (210) and/or information derived therefrom, as well as the CAD model (220) of the containers (100) and/or information derived therefrom, as an instance to a solution system (230); determining, using the solution system (230), at least one parameter set (240) for the guide assembly (40).