Identifier-Based Machine Control for Blow-Molding Parameter Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual input of manufacturing parameters for plastic container production by blow-molding or stretch blow-molding is time-consuming, prone to human error, and requires dedicated operators, especially when updating parameters across multiple machines, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a manufacturing machine with an actuator module, computer, and communication means, linked to a remote server with a database that uses identifiers (such as QR codes or RFID tags) to automatically retrieve and apply manufacturing information, reducing the need for manual input and ensuring consistent settings across machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual input of manufacturing parameters is used, then operators can update parameters across multiple machines, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of manufacturing parameters stored in a database. Instead of manually re-entering parameters for each machine, the system retrieves the digital copy automatically through communication interfaces, eliminating manual transcription errors and reducing setup time across multiple machines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of parameter input with an automated information system. A computer retrieves manufacturing parameters automatically from a database through communication interfaces, substituting the manual operator action with an automated information retrieval and transmission process
2Reliability
If dedicated operators are assigned to update machine parameters, then parameter accuracy can be maintained, but operational costs and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing machine performs the parameter update operation itself by automatically retrieving parameters from a database through its communication interface. The system serves its own parameter needs without requiring external operator intervention, reducing the complexity of human resource management while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary between parameter storage and machine execution. The computer acts as a mediator that automatically retrieves parameters from the database and transmits them to the machine through communication interfaces, eliminating the need for dedicated operators while ensuring accurate parameter transfer
3Productivity
If multiple machines are updated simultaneously, then production efficiency improves, but the risk of errors and the time required for verification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The database serves as a universal parameter repository that can supply identical manufacturing parameters to multiple machines simultaneously. The system retrieves parameters once from the centralized database and distributes them across multiple machines through communication interfaces, ensuring consistency while enabling parallel updates across the production line
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a system including at least one manufacturing machine that has at least one actuator module, a computer, and a first communication means. The system can also include a remote server that has an information storage means, a second communication means connected to the first communication means by a communication channel. For each product to be manufactured, the system includes at least one identifier and means for reading the identifiers. The means are coupled to the computer, the computer is configured to control the actuator module(s) on the basis of a reading of an identifier carried out by a reading means.