Factory Moving Object Speed Control for Step Loading Timing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In manufacturing systems, there is a challenge in efficiently moving objects between production steps while ensuring timely loading and preventing excessive retention, which can lead to reduced productivity due to delays and inefficiencies in adjusting moving speeds based on real-time manufacturing status.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a remote controller, a manufacturing status acquisition unit, and a speed setting unit that adjusts the moving speed of objects in a factory based on acquired manufacturing status, including delay times and target manufacturing times, to optimize the timing of object movement between steps and prevent excessive retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the moving speed of the moving object is increased to improve production efficiency, then productivity increases, but the timing of loading into subsequent steps may be disrupted causing delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidloading timing disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the moving speed of the moving object based on real-time manufacturing status. The speed setting unit receives information about processing delays from the manufacturing status acquisition unit and automatically modifies the speed command accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions rather than operating at a fixed speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the manufacturing status acquisition unit continuously monitors the processing status in subsequent steps and feeds this information back to the speed setting unit. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond to actual manufacturing conditions and adjust speeds to maintain proper loading timing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If the moving speed is reduced to ensure proper loading timing, then loading timing accuracy improves, but production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading timing accuracyVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic speed adjustment rather than a fixed reduced speed. The speed setting unit continuously optimizes the moving speed based on real-time feedback about processing status, allowing the system to maintain high speeds when conditions permit while only reducing speed when necessary to maintain loading timing accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the speed parameter dynamically based on manufacturing status conditions. Rather than operating at a constantly reduced speed, the system adjusts the speed parameter up or down depending on the actual processing status in subsequent steps, optimizing both timing accuracy and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the moving object waits in standby when the post-step is delayed, then loading timing can be synchronized, but excessive retention occurs reducing overall productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading timing synchronizationVSAvoidoverall production efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing status acquisition unit provides real-time feedback about delays in the post-step to the speed setting unit. This feedback enables the system to detect delays early and adjust the moving object's speed or standby timing to achieve synchronization without excessive retention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary action by adjusting the moving speed or standby timing before the moving object actually arrives at the loading point. The speed setting unit proactively modifies the moving object's schedule based on anticipated delays in the post-step, preventing excessive retention rather than reacting after the fact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4418060A1System, moving object , method of manufacturing moving object, and server
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4418060A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4418060A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4418060A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A system (500) used in a factory (FC) for manufacture of a moving object comprises: a remote controller (312) that moves the moving object by remote control, the moving object being movable in the factory (FC) during a course of manufacture in the factory (FC), the moving object including a communication device having a communication function for the remote control and a driving controller (180) that implements driving control over the moving object; a manufacturing status acquisition unit (316) that acquires information about a manufacturing status (FC) in the factory including delay in a step; and a speed setting unit (314) that sets a moving speed of the moving object using the acquired manufacturing status. The remote controller (180) moves the moving object in a transport zone between steps at the set moving speed of the moving object by the remote control.