Equipment Database Control for Real-Time Container Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging systems lack efficient management and production capabilities, particularly in dynamic operational environments where real-time adjustments to container production and placement are needed based on sensor data and feedback from the operational environment.

Innovation Solution

An organizational database structure is generated to maintain equipment information and physical operational environment factors, allowing for the identification and evaluation of which containers to produce and where, with an induction system optimizing the production order based on sensor data and feedback to ensure efficient placement within the operational environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If real-time sensor data and feedback are integrated to dynamically optimize container production and placement, then operational efficiency and productivity are improved, but device complexity and system infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system integrates multiple functions into a unified platform: sensor data acquisition, database management, production optimization, and feedback processing are combined in a single system architecture. The organizational database structure serves multiple purposes by storing both equipment information and physical operational environment factors, eliminating the need for separate systems for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an organizational database structure as an intermediary layer between the physical operational environment (sensors, containers, shelves) and the control system. This database mediates data flow and enables efficient processing by structuring information about equipment, packable items, and environmental factors in a standardized format that facilitates real-time decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If container production order is optimized based on feedback data from carts and shelves, then wait times and traffic jams are minimized, but measurement and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewait timesVSAvoiddata processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor the operational environment (container locations, cart positions, shelf status) and feed this data back to the optimization system. The organizational database stores this feedback data, which is then processed to adjust container production orders in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously minimizes wait times and prevents traffic jams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of feedback data to determine optimal container production orders before actual production occurs. By pre-processing sensor data and evaluating physical operational environment factors in advance, the system can proactively optimize production sequences, reducing wait times and avoiding bottlenecks before they occur rather than reacting to problems after they arise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3549072B1Identifying and managing equipment within an operational environment
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 PACKSIZE LLC
  • EP3549072B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3549072B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3549072B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments are directed to apparatuses and methods for managing and producing equipment within an operational environment. In one scenario, a method is performed that includes generating an organizational database structure that maintains information associated with equipment that is part of an operational environment. The organizational database structure includes information indicating which packable items are associated with the piece of equipment. The method further includes accessing the generated organizational database structure to identify physical operational environment factors that affect which pieces of equipment are to be currently produced within the operational environment. The method then evaluates the identified physical operational environment factors to determine whether the specified piece of equipment is to be currently produced within the operational environment and, upon determining that the specified piece of equipment is to be currently processed within the operational environment, the specified piece of equipment is produced and provided to the operational environment.