Filling Line Controller Switching for Recipe Parameter Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling lines for producing foods made of pasty mass face challenges in flexible and precise coordination of recipe-relevant process parameters across multiple machines, limited accessibility of machine controllers, and inflexible master/slave assignments that hinder adaptability to varying production environments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where first and second machine controllers can operate in either slave or master control modes, with full read and write rights for recipe-relevant process parameters, enabling remote access and dynamic assignment based on production environment positioning, using data interfaces like CAN bus and Ethernet connections for real-time data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed master/slave assignment is implemented for machine controllers in a filling line, then control coordination between machines is simplified, but flexibility and adaptability to varying production environments are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic master/slave assignment where machine controllers can switch roles based on real-time production requirements. The control system allows any filling machine to be dynamically designated as master or slave controller through a user interface, enabling flexible adaptation to different production environments while maintaining simplified control coordination through the assigned hierarchy.
2Productivity
If machine controllers are positioned for optimal production layout, then production efficiency is improved, but accessibility of controllers for adjustment and monitoring is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a user interface as an intermediary that provides remote access to machine controller functions. Through this interface, operators can adjust parameters, monitor production status, and control filling machines without needing physical access to the controllers, thus maintaining production efficiency while improving operational accessibility.
3Reliability
If centralized control is implemented for all filling machines, then coordination and monitoring are improved, but system complexity and dependency on central controller are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into hierarchical levels with a master controller providing centralized coordination and slave controllers maintaining local control capabilities. This segmentation allows centralized monitoring and coordination when needed while reducing system complexity and dependency by distributing control functions to individual machine controllers that can operate autonomously.
Data Source
AI summary
A filling line is provided and includes a first filling machine having a first machine controller, and one or more second filling machines having a second machine controller, which is selectively operable independently of the first filling machine. The filling line also includes a data interface for connecting the machine controllers to each other for control communication. The machine controllers are configured to be operated reciprocally either in a slave control mode or in a master control mode, depending on control information provided. The slave control mode transmits read and write rights in respect of recipe-relevant process parameters to the machine controller operated in the master control mode, and the master control mode implements the transferred read and write rights in the machine controller operated in the master control mode. A method for operating such a filling line is also provided.