Digital Roll Data Exchange for Plastic Web Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity and interdependence of information in the plastic web material value chain require improved coordination and synchronization of data exchange across stages, necessitating a more robust and automated system for managing product properties, logistics, and management processes.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a communication protocol and data carrier for cross-stage data element exchange, enabling access, retrieval, and use of data elements across the value chain, including material, product, and process properties, with a digital roll protocol linking information to rolls of web material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data exchange across value chain stages is improved through uniform communication standards, then coordination and synchronization are enhanced, but system complexity and implementation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordination and synchronization of data exchangeVSAvoidsystem complexity and implementation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal data structure that can represent multiple types of value chain information (material properties, production parameters, logistics data, quality metrics) within a single standardized framework. This multi-functional data structure enables different stages of the value chain to exchange diverse information types using the same communication protocol, improving coordination while avoiding the need for stage-specific data formats that would increase system complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms unstructured or semi-structured value chain data into a standardized parameter-based format with defined data elements, types, and relationships. By changing the parameter representation from proprietary or format-specific structures to a universal parameter schema, the system enables reliable data exchange across stages without requiring complex custom integration at each stage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If access to relevant data from all value chain stages is enabled, then process optimization and waste reduction are improved, but data security and access control requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess optimization and waste reductionVSAvoiddata security and access control requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes access control rules and data permission settings in advance, before data exchange occurs. The standardized data structure includes metadata that defines which data elements can be accessed by which value chain stages, eliminating the need for complex runtime security negotiations and simplifying access control implementation while enabling comprehensive data utilization for optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If machines are adapted to individual product properties through data retrieval, then manufacturing precision is improved, but data processing requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine adaptation to product propertiesVSAvoiddata processing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of the product's property data that travels with the physical product through the value chain. This digital twin or data copy contains all necessary material properties, production parameters, and quality specifications that machines need for adaptation, eliminating the need for complex real-time sensing and measurement systems while enabling precise machine configuration through data retrieval alone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3557350B1Method and device for providing, retrieving and using a data element
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 REIFENHAUSER GMBH & CO MASCHFAB
  • EP3557350B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3557350B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3557350B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The invention relates to various aspects of the production and processing of web-based plastic products, in particular spunbond nonwovens, meltblown nonwovens, composite nonwovens, blown films, flat films, plastic sheets, or plastic panels. The core aspect is a method and a device for providing, retrieving, and utilizing a data element in the value chain of a web-based product for the cross-stage exchange of multiple different data elements for producing the final product within the web-based product's value chain. This data makes it possible to optimize the processes within the value chain, improve the design of the machinery and equipment used, and enhance both the plant engineering and process engineering aspects of the web-based product's production.