Injection Molding Control Device Touch Panel Screen Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

In injection molding machines, changing and setting various operation conditions is time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring significant effort from the operator.

Innovation Solution

A control device with a human-machine interface that includes a display unit and a control section to easily switch and display multiple condition setting screens, allowing for rapid adjustment of operation conditions, featuring a touch-panel-equipped display unit with setter and history screens for efficient data input and operation history management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual operation methods are used to change and set operation conditions, then the injection molding machine can be operated, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of changing operation conditionsVSAvoidtime required for setting operation conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device stores multiple sets of operation conditions (parameter groups) in advance, each corresponding to different production requirements. When a condition change is needed, the system retrieves and applies the pre-prepared parameter set, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration of each parameter individually. This preliminary preparation of operation sets significantly reduces the time and effort required for condition changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation conditions are changed sequentially through manual operation, then the settings can be adjusted, but the process requires significant operator effort and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to change operation conditionsVSAvoidease of setting operation conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device combines multiple related operation parameters into unified parameter groups that can be selected and applied together. Instead of adjusting each parameter individually, the system merges them into cohesive sets that represent complete operational configurations. This merging approach maintains full adaptability while dramatically improving ease of operation through single-select changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If traditional control interface is used for setting multiple operation conditions, then the machine can be controlled, but the process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of condition settingVSAvoidcomplexity of control operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device creates simplified representations (copies) of complex parameter sets in the form of selectable condition profiles. Instead of requiring operators to navigate through multiple menus and adjust numerous individual parameters, the system provides simplified condition copies that encapsulate complete operational configurations. This copying approach reduces perceived complexity while maintaining full functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS7421309B2Control device of injection molding machine

Publication Date: 2008.09.02 TOSHIBA MASCH CO LTD

AI summary

A plurality of condition setting screens necessary to set various operation conditions of an injection molding machine is switched and displayed on a touch-panel-equipped display unit of a human-machine interface.