Production Unit Transport Control Using Goods Inlet Occupancy Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current inventory management systems in production environments suffer from deviations between real and assumed component stocks, leading to excess inventory and idle time due to lack of components, and are inflexible, hindering efficient logistics and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A method for providing transport data in a production environment using sensor data to determine occupancy, component, and procurement data, which is used to optimize transport processes, ensuring timely and flexible component delivery through driverless transport vehicles, and a control unit to manage this data for efficient logistics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If rigid supply algorithms are used in inventory management, then maintenance outlay and operational complexity are reduced, but logistics flexibility and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance outlay and operational complexityVSAvoidlogistics flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic supply algorithms that continuously adapt to real-time production data and component availability. The system transitions from rigid, pre-programmed supply schedules to flexible, real-time decision-making through continuous data acquisition from sensors and automated analysis, enabling the logistics system to dynamically adjust to changing production requirements while maintaining operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes closed-loop feedback mechanisms where sensor data from production units and storage locations continuously feeds back to the control algorithm. This feedback enables real-time monitoring of component consumption, stock levels, and production status, allowing the supply algorithm to self-adjust and optimize logistics operations without increasing maintenance complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If real-time sensor monitoring is implemented, then component availability accuracy is improved, but system complexity and measurement requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent availability accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs self-monitoring sensor units at storage locations and production units that automatically detect and report component availability and consumption. These sensors perform self-diagnosis and data validation, reducing the need for complex external monitoring systems while maintaining high measurement precision for component stock levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system is divided into modular sensor units distributed at different locations (storage locations, production units, goods inlets). Each sensor unit independently monitors local conditions and communicates with the central control system, reducing overall system complexity through distributed intelligence while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If manual inventory management is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity and response time to component needs deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidlogistics efficiency and response time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual inventory management processes with automated sensor-based detection and algorithm-driven decision-making. Optical sensors, RFID readers, and other detection devices automatically monitor component stock levels and consumption, eliminating manual counting and reporting while significantly improving logistics efficiency and response time to component requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If excess inventory is maintained to prevent component shortages, then production continuity is improved, but storage space requirements and loss of substance increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction continuityVSAvoidexcess inventory and storage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of production plans and component consumption patterns to predict future component needs. By anticipating required components before production cycles begin, the system can optimize inventory levels and schedule component delivery just-in-time, ensuring production continuity while minimizing excess inventory and associated storage requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11796988B2Method and control unit for providing transport data for controlling a goods transport in a production environment, and production environment

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

A method for providing transport data for controlling goods transport in a production environment includes determining occupancy data based on sensor data of a sensor unit on a production unit in the production environment. The occupancy data relate to an occupancy state of a goods inlet of a production unit with stored components. Component data that indicate which components are required at the production unit for a production order assigned to the production unit are determined, as well as procurement data for the required components that indicate an expected transit time for transporting a component from a relevant storage location to the production unit. Further, transport data that describe a transport process to be performed and that depend on the occupancy data, the component data and the procurement data are determined.