Film Extrusion Raw Material Selection Using a Production Model

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production of film with desired properties is often lengthy and costly due to the reliance on manual adjustment of film extrusion line parameters and selection of raw materials based on operator experience and testing.

Innovation Solution

A method that records machine, film, and raw material parameters and enters them into a film production model to calculate the required selection and quantity of raw materials, thereby automating the selection process and optimizing film production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual adjustment of film extrusion line parameters and selection of raw materials based on operator experience and testing is used, then film production can be performed with existing knowledge and skills, but the production process becomes lengthy and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction timeVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual operator experience and testing with an automated computer-based system that uses databases and algorithms to select raw materials and adjust extrusion parameters. The system automatically processes film orders, retrieves relevant data from databases, calculates optimal production parameters, and controls the extrusion line without manual intervention, thereby reducing production time while increasing automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If extensive testing and preparation are performed to achieve desired film properties, then film quality can be ensured, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm property accuracyVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-storing comprehensive data in databases about raw materials, machine parameters, and their relationships. Before actual film production, the system pre-calculates optimal production parameters and raw material selections based on stored data and film specifications, eliminating the need for extensive testing during production and reducing both costs and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where production results and film properties are measured and fed back into the database. This feedback loop allows the system to continuously improve its predictions and parameter selections, ensuring high film quality accuracy while reducing the need for repeated testing and adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parameters and settings are adjusted at many points in the film extrusion line, then desired film properties can be achieved, but the adjustment process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal computer-based control system that integrates multiple functions: database management, parameter calculation, raw material selection, and machine control. This single multi-functional system manages all parameter adjustments across the extrusion line, coordinating temperatures, pressures, and other physical variables through one integrated platform, thereby maintaining high adaptability while reducing overall system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4337445B1Method for producing film from a total quantity of raw materials using a film extrusion machine, and computer program product for carrying out the method
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER GMBH
  • EP4337445B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4337445B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4337445B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing film from a total quantity of raw materials using a film extrusion machine, having the following steps: • detecting machine parameters relating to properties and/or settings of at least one film extrusion machine, • detecting film parameters relating to desired properties of the film, • detecting raw material parameters relating to the properties of the raw materials, • inputting the detected parameters into a film production model, • calculating a selection and/or a quantity of raw materials from the total quantity of raw materials on the basis of the detected parameters and the film production model, and • outputting information relating to the selection and/or quantity of raw materials.