Industrial Control Option Pack Reuse for Faster Engineering Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial control products require significant manual engineering efforts for design modifications, leading to inefficiencies in generating engineering design files for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for crowdsourcing engineering designs, where engineering design files for new option packs are manually created and stored in an industrial design library, allowing for automated reuse and generation of design files for similar orders, reducing manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual engineering efforts are used for each design modification, then design files can be customized for different applications, but the engineering time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating multiple design files corresponding to different option packs in advance and storing them in a library. When an order is received, the system automatically selects and retrieves the appropriate pre-generated design files, eliminating the need for manual engineering at order time. This resolves the contradiction by preparing design variations beforehand, enabling both customization and time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating and storing multiple copies of design files for different option pack variations in a design library. Instead of manually engineering each design from scratch, the system retrieves and reuses appropriate design file copies based on order requirements. This approach maintains design adaptability while dramatically reducing engineering time through file reuse.
2Manufacturing precision
If design files are manually created for every new option pack, then design accuracy is maintained, but the quantity of engineering work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates accurate master design files for each option pack variation and stores them as reusable templates in a design library. These pre-created design files maintain manufacturing precision through careful initial engineering, while subsequent orders leverage copies of these files. This resolves the contradiction by front-loading the precision work into template creation, enabling high-volume processing without sacrificing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by organizing design files according to different option pack configurations and systematically selecting appropriate files based on order parameters. The system changes design parameters by retrieving different pre-configured design files that correspond to specific option combinations, maintaining precision through parameter-based selection while increasing productivity through automated file management.
3Extent of automation
If an industrial design library is implemented, then automated reuse of design files is enabled, but the initial setup and population of the library requires effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively creating and populating the design library with design files for various option packs before processing customer orders. The system performs the labor-intensive library setup work in advance, organizing design files by option pack configurations. This resolves the contradiction by front-loading the setup effort, enabling fully automated design file retrieval thereafter without recurring setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the design library in advance to cushion against future order processing demands. By pre-populating the library with comprehensive design files for various option combinations, the system creates a buffer that enables rapid automated response to customer orders without requiring additional setup time. This prior cushioning resolves the contradiction between automation and initial setup effort.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and media for crowdsourcing engineering designs for industrial control products. The method includes receiving orders for a first industrial control product including a first option pack that is a first variation to a base design and a second industrial control product including a second option pack that is a second variation to the base design, receiving engineering design files for the first option pack and engineering design files for the second option pack, and storing the engineering design files in an industrial design library. The method further includes receiving a third order for a third industrial control product including the first and second option packs, automatically generating engineering design files for the third industrial control product using the engineering design files for the first option pack and the second option pack and providing the engineering design files for the third industrial control product to a manufacturing system.