Hierarchical Operating Program for Injection Moulding Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of operating injection molding machines has increased due to the variety of machines and manufacturing options, making it difficult for operators to navigate and find relevant parameters across numerous screens and program pages, leading to inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical system architecture for the operating program with a main level offering system-specific and task-specific menus, allowing selection between plant areas and task areas, reducing the number of levels and displaying only process-relevant program pages, along with user role-based access rights and configuration parameters to simplify navigation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operating program provides full access to all machine functions and parameters across multiple screens, then the system offers high adaptability and completeness, but the operating complexity and difficulty of finding relevant parameters increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The operating program is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels (upper level and sublevels) with distinct functional areas. Each level displays only a subset of parameters and functions relevant to that specific level, breaking down the overwhelming full parameter set into manageable, organized sections that reduce navigation complexity while maintaining comprehensive access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the operating program structure, adding levels of organization above the traditional single-level screen display. This dimensional addition allows parameters to be accessed through multiple pathways (direct access at upper level or detailed access at sublevels), reducing the search space at each level while preserving complete system accessibility.
2Loss of information
If the operating program displays all available parameters and program pages, then complete information is provided, but the time required to find and navigate to relevant parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper level of the hierarchical system performs preliminary organization of all parameters and functions into logical groups and areas before the operator needs to access them. This pre-organization reduces the time required to locate specific parameters, as the system has already structured the information in a navigable hierarchy rather than presenting it as an unorganized complete set.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the complete parameter set into hierarchical levels and functional areas, the patent reduces the information overload at any single display level. Operators can quickly navigate to relevant segments without being presented with all parameters simultaneously, significantly reducing search and navigation time while maintaining access to complete information through the hierarchical structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operating program provides access to the full range of machine functions, then system versatility is maximized, but the number of screens and parameters increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to organize the full range of machine functions, structuring them across multiple levels rather than presenting them as a flat complex interface. This dimensional reorganization maintains complete system functionality while reducing perceived complexity by providing structured access pathways and logical groupings at each level.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating program is segmented into hierarchical levels where each level presents a simplified view of the complete system functionality. This segmentation allows the full range of machine functions to be accessed while reducing operating program complexity at any given display level, as parameters are divided into logical groups rather than presented as an undifferentiated mass.
Data Source
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AI summary
The unit has a touch-sensitive screen for displaying operating program, and a controlling or regulating unit for transmitting operating signals to injection molding machine elements, where operating program (B) is stored in the regulating unit. An operating key is operated such that the regulating unit releases action of the elements. The operating program has hierarchical system architecture with upper system-specific plane (M1) and upper task-specific plane (M2), where program sides (P) assigned to selected system area or selected task area are displayed in selected sublayer (U). An independent claim is also included for a method for operating an operating unit.