Distributed Light-Guided Production for Remote Assembly Workflows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for conducting industrial operations like manufacturing, assembly, and inspection require employees to travel to centralized locations, increasing costs, time, and environmental impact due to traffic congestion and emissions.
Innovation Solution
A distributed processing system utilizing remote light-guided workstations connected through cloud computing, where orders are received and work instructions are sent via the internet, allowing remote production locations to manufacture, inspect, or kit products using augmented reality tools to guide users, and data is collected for quality and productivity improvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If employees travel to centralized factory locations to perform work, then manufacturing operations can be conducted with centralized control and resource management, but employee travel time, transportation costs, and environmental emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized manufacturing operation into distributed remote workstations that can be located anywhere employees need to be. Instead of requiring all employees to travel to a single centralized factory, the system divides manufacturing tasks across multiple remote locations, each equipped with light-guided assembly instructions and connected to centralized planning through the cloud.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cloud-based intermediaries (cloud computing service, production coordinator system) that mediate between centralized manufacturing planning and distributed remote execution. These intermediaries transmit work instructions, receive completion data, and coordinate resource allocation without requiring physical presence at a centralized location.
2Ease of manufacture
If employees travel to centralized factory locations, then centralized resource management is achieved, but transportation costs and environmental impact from traffic congestion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of centralized resource management capabilities through cloud-based systems. Instead of physically centralizing all resources and personnel, the system uses digital replicas (cloud-based work instructions, electronic component tracking, remote monitoring) to replicate centralized control functions, eliminating the need for physical aggregation of employees and reducing travel-related emissions.
3Reliability
If traditional centralized manufacturing is used, then quality control and training can be standardized, but training time and error rates remain high without advanced guidance systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical training methods (in-person instruction, physical demonstrations) with light-based guidance systems that project step-by-step assembly instructions directly at the work location. This substitution provides real-time visual guidance during actual assembly tasks, reducing the need for extensive prior training and minimizing errors through immediate corrective feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback loops where the light-guided system monitors assembly progress, compares it against correct procedures, and provides immediate visual feedback to the employee. This continuous feedback mechanism allows employees to self-correct errors during assembly, improving product quality while reducing the need for extensive external supervision and retraining.
4Device complexity
If centralized production locations are used, then coordination and quality control are simplified, but operational costs and employee commute requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal remote workstation systems that can perform multiple manufacturing functions at distributed locations. Each remote workstation is designed to be multi-functional, capable of handling different assembly tasks, components, and product types through programmable light-guided instructions, eliminating the need for specialized equipment at each location and reducing overall operational costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed light-guided processing method includes obtaining an order from a requester, for at least one completed product. Raw components are provided to at least one selected remote processing location. The selected remote processing location includes a light guided system. Work instructions are provided to the selected remote processing location, wherein the work instructions enable the light guided system to guide construction of the completed product. The completed product is processed, using at least the raw components, the work instructions, and the light guided system. The completed product is shipped from the selected remote processing location upon completion of the processing.