Jig Unit Master Control Device for Processing Apparatus

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional processing apparatuses require frequent changes and matching confirmations of operating programs when exchanging jig units, leading to increased start-up times and complex program management.

Innovation Solution

A processing apparatus configuration where a master control device is mounted on the jig unit, controlling both the jig unit and the apparatus body, with a slave control device on the apparatus body for communication, allowing the operating program to manage both units independently and eliminating the need for program matching confirmation during jig unit exchanges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the control device and operating program are mounted on the processing apparatus body, then the processing apparatus body can control the jig unit, but the operating program must be changed and matched each time the jig unit is exchanged, increasing start-up time and program management complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejig unit exchangeabilityVSAvoidstart-up time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional control architecture by mounting the master control device and operating program on the exchangeable jig unit rather than on the fixed processing apparatus body. This inversion allows the jig unit to bring its own control intelligence, eliminating the need for program changes and matching procedures when exchanging jigs, thereby significantly reducing start-up time while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is segmented into a master control device on the jig unit and a slave control device on the processing apparatus body. This segmentation separates the operating program from the processing apparatus body, allowing independent exchange of jig units without affecting the main system's control programs or requiring time-consuming matching procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the control device and operating program are mounted on the processing apparatus body, then centralized control is achieved, but program management becomes complicated when multiple jig units are used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-jig unit compatibilityVSAvoidprogram management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional control architecture by mounting the master control device and operating program on the exchangeable jig unit rather than on the fixed processing apparatus body. This inversion allows the jig unit to bring its own control intelligence, eliminating the need for program changes and matching procedures when exchanging jigs, thereby significantly reducing start-up time while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating program is extracted from the processing apparatus body and integrated into the jig unit itself. This extraction eliminates the complexity of managing multiple programs on the central control device, as each jig unit now carries its own program independently, simplifying overall program management while supporting multiple jig types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If identification information is required for matching confirmation between processing apparatus body and jig unit, then control compatibility can be verified, but the exchange procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol compatibilityVSAvoidjig unit exchange procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The master control device and operating program are preliminarily integrated into the jig unit before exchange. This preliminary action ensures that control compatibility is built-in from the factory, eliminating the need for time-consuming matching confirmation procedures during exchange operations, thereby improving both reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10576571B2Processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 MUNEKATA INDAL MACHINERY

AI summary

Provided is a processing apparatus where the exchange of an operating program for an apparatus body is not required each time a jig unit is exchanged. The processing apparatus includes an apparatus body and a jig unit. A master control device is mounted on the jig unit. Operations of the jig unit and the apparatus body are controlled by an operating program in the master control device.