Dual Touchscreen Control for Injection Molding Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection molding machines with handling devices face challenges in being set up and operated quickly and easily, as the integration of machine and handling device control interfaces often results in a reduced and less recognizable overall representation, leading to potential operating errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A dual-control system comprising a stationary and mobile touch-sensitive screen-based control device, where both devices are fully equipped to operate the injection molding machine and handling device, with identical display and functionality, allowing for seamless switching between machine and handling device operations, and enabling complete setup and programming from a mobile device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single control device is used to operate both the injection molding machine and the handling device, then the control system is simplified, but the operator cannot easily access the handling device controls while positioned near the handling device
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control both the injection molding machine and the handling device, replacing the need for separate control devices. The device includes a display unit and operating elements that provide access to both control systems, allowing the operator to switch between controlling the machine and the handling device seamlessly.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is made mobile rather than stationary, allowing it to move with the operator. This dynamic positioning enables the operator to access the control device at different locations around the machine and handling device, improving accessibility while maintaining a unified control interface.
2Loss of information
If the screen of the mobile control device displays all information for both machine and handling device simultaneously, then complete information is provided, but the display becomes reduced and less recognizable
Solution Approach 1:
The display information is segmented into different categories or sections, with the ability to switch between displaying machine-related information and handling device-related information. The operating elements allow the operator to select which device's information should be prominently displayed, preventing information overload while maintaining access to all necessary data.
Solution Approach 2:
The display content is dynamically adjusted based on the current operational context. When the operator is controlling the handling device, the display prioritizes handling device information, and vice versa. This dynamic reconfiguration ensures that the most relevant information is always clearly visible without reducing overall information availability.
3Reliability
If identical display and functionality are provided on both stationary and mobile control devices, then operational consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile control device is designed as a functional copy of the stationary control device, with the same display unit type and operating elements. This copying approach ensures that the operator experiences consistent controls and display regardless of which device is being used, improving reliability and reducing the learning curve.
Solution Approach 2:
Both control devices are designed with universal functionality to control either the injection molding machine or the handling device. This multi-functionality is achieved through software configuration rather than hardware complexity, allowing the same physical device to serve multiple control purposes without significantly increasing complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates faster and more accurate operation by providing a comprehensive and identical user interface across devices, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing usability, allowing operators to manage both the machine and handling device efficiently from a mobile platform.
Implementation Method 1
both control devices, in particular their screens, are designed as touch-sensitive screens
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for operating a machine equipped with a handling device (5), particularly an injection moulding machine, and comprising a first stationary operating device (6) secured to said machine, and a second mobile operating device (7). Said operating devices are preferably designed to be touch screen (8, 9). The stationary operating device (6) is designed for operating both the machine and the handling device (5) and the mobile operating device (7) is likewise designed for operating both the handling device and the machine. Each operating device is fully equipped for comprehensive configuration or programming and for operating the machine and the handling device. The screen (9) of the mobile operating device (7) is smaller than the screen (8) of the stationary operating device (6), and predefinable regions (8A, 8C, 8D, 8E) of a screen page of the screen (8) of the stationary operating device (6) can be shown successively (10a, 10b) on the screen (9) of the mobile operating device (7).