Machine HMI Feedback Control for Safe Real-Time Parameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-machine interfaces for controlling complex machines, such as injection molding machines, lack ergonomics, security, and intuitive operability, particularly in managing regulating functions that require simultaneous control of multiple parameters like speed, pressure, and temperature.
Innovation Solution
A human-machine interface with a regulating input unit and parameter input unit that allows for independent, bi-directional manual control of machine parameters, featuring a bar graph indicator for visual feedback and a touch-sensitive screen for intuitive operation, along with dynamically assigned operating elements for secure and conscious control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high regulating speeds are used to conclude regulating functions quickly, then productivity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to high pressures and forces occurring during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating speed is made dynamically adjustable during the regulating function. The system allows the operator to modify the speed parameter mid-process, enabling transition from high speed to lower speed when approaching end positions or when high pressures/forces occur, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to the operator about the current regulating speed and machine state through the display unit. This feedback mechanism enables the operator to make informed decisions about speed adjustment, allowing fast regulation when safe and slower regulation when pressures and forces require caution
2Ease of operation
If multiple parameters are controlled simultaneously through a unified interface, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses a single human-machine interface that can control multiple parameters (position, speed, acceleration) for multiple machine components through a unified display and input unit. This multi-functional approach improves ease of operation while managing complexity through integrated software control rather than separate physical controls for each parameter
3Adaptability or versatility
If the regulating function is made independently controllable, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to loss of overview
Solution Approach 1:
The system displays all regulating parameters (position, speed, acceleration) in a unified spatial layout on the display unit, allowing the operator to overview multiple independently controllable parameters simultaneously. This dimensional organization of information maintains operator awareness while preserving independent control capability
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a human machine interface (1) for simultaneously and interactively controlling a control function of a machine (3). The human machine interface (1) comprises a control input unit (5) by means of which a control parameter of a control function of the machine (3) can be simultaneously manually operated in accordance with a parameter input (27), a parameter input unit (7) which can be controlled independently from the control input device (5) and which enables a control parameter of the control function to be manually controlled, and a parameter display unit (9) arranged together with the parameter input unit (7) and which enables feedback of the control parameter to be manually controlled. As a result, the intuitive ease of operation, the security and ergonomics are improved such that a control parameter of the control function dependent on the control function can be manually controlled simultaneously by means of the control input unit (5) and that the parameter display unit (9) enables information relating to the desired value or an actual value of the manually controlled parameter and which is present on the machine (3) can be fed back.