Language Model Troubleshooting for Packaging Line Downtime

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Solution Overview

Problem

Packaging lines for producing composite packages face challenges in quickly identifying and resolving machine problems due to their complexity, which leads to production disruptions, decreased productivity, and increased downtime.

Innovation Solution

A computer-assisted troubleshooting method using a trained language model that receives user-inputted problem statements in natural language, generates instructions for alleviating issues, and outputs these instructions in natural language to assist operators in troubleshooting packaging lines, integrating with real-time data and operation manuals for accurate problem-solving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If packaging lines operate at high speeds to increase throughput, then productivity is improved, but the complexity of defect monitoring and detection worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoiddefect monitoring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The defect monitoring system is segmented into multiple specialized sensors positioned at different locations along the packaging line. Each sensor monitors specific aspects (sealing integrity, filling accuracy, package formation) independently, allowing the complex monitoring task to be divided into manageable segments that can operate effectively at high speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A computer system acts as an intermediary that receives data from multiple sensors, processes the information, and generates troubleshooting instructions. This intermediary consolidates the complex data stream from high-speed operation into actionable insights, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining high throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If packaging lines include numerous interconnected components to handle complex packaging tasks, then versatility is improved, but troubleshooting difficulty worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging line capabilityVSAvoidtroubleshooting ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor component status and performance. When anomalies are detected, the computer system generates troubleshooting instructions that provide feedback to operators about specific components requiring attention, making troubleshooting systematic rather than trial-and-error

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service troubleshooting capabilities by automatically analyzing sensor data and generating step-by-step instructions for resolving issues. This reduces the expertise required from operators and standardizes the troubleshooting process across complex, versatile packaging line configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If quick troubleshooting is implemented to minimize downtime, then productivity is improved, but the quality of problem identification may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction continuityVSAvoidproblem identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of sensor data continuously, even during normal operation. When a defect is detected, the computer system has already prepared initial troubleshooting instructions based on pre-programmed knowledge bases, enabling immediate action without sacrificing identification accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual inspection and diagnostic methods with automated sensor-based detection and computer-based analysis. This substitution enables both rapid response and high accuracy by using electronic data processing rather than human judgment under time pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4485307A1Computer-assisted troubleshooting of packaging lines using large language models

Publication Date: 2025.01.01 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA

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AI summary

Disclosed is a method (600) for computer-assisted troubleshooting of a packaging line (1) configured to produce packages. In one embodiment, the method (600) comprises the following steps: receiving (602), via an input device, a problem statement (402) in natural language from a user indicating a problem that has occurred during operation of the packaging line (1); generating (604), by a trained language model (42) and based at least in part on the problem statement (402), one or more instructions (404) indicating operations to be performed by the user on the packaging line (1) to alleviate the problem; and outputting (606), via an output device, the one or more instructions (404) in natural language to the user. Also disclosed is a method (500) of training a language model (42), a language model (42), data processing apparatus (4), a packaging line (1), and a computer program.