Manufacturing Machine Control with Unified Motion Commands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current manufacture work machines lack efficiency in transmitting motion commands and controlling work-element performing apparatuses, leading to increased complexity and costs due to differences in programming languages and communication protocols, making it labor-intensive to replace apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

A manufacture work machine with individual control devices in each work-element performing apparatus that recognize and execute motion commands from a central control device, allowing for unified communication protocols and reducing the need to change programming languages, enabling seamless replacement of apparatuses without altering protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different programming languages are used for each work-element performing apparatus, then each apparatus can be controlled independently, but the complexity of communication protocols increases and apparatus replacement becomes labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus replacement flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by implementing a standardized motion command interface that can be used across different work-element performing apparatuses regardless of their specific functions. The central control device transmits unified motion commands that can control diverse apparatuses (robots, conveyors, dispensers, etc.) through a common protocol, eliminating the need for apparatus-specific programming languages and reducing communication complexity while maintaining replacement flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If apparatus-specific programming languages are used, then each apparatus can execute complex operations, but the labor required to replace apparatuses increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation execution capabilityVSAvoidapparatus replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of a standardized motion command interface between the central control device and individual work-element performing apparatuses. This intermediary protocol translates high-level motion commands into apparatus-specific operations without requiring the central controller to know detailed apparatus programming, enabling fast apparatus replacement while maintaining full operational capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If unified motion commands are transmitted from central control device, then apparatus replacement becomes easier, but the ability to control complex operations may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus replacement easeVSAvoidcomplex operation control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system into two distinct layers: a unified command layer for apparatus identification and basic motion control, and an apparatus-specific execution layer for complex operations. The motion command includes a device identification field that routes commands to the appropriate apparatus, while the operation code field enables complex operations through standardized instructions that each apparatus interprets according to its capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2566314B1Manufacturing-work machine
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 FUJI CORP
  • EP2566314B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2566314B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2566314B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)

AI summary

It is an object to enhance practical utility of a manufacture work machine configured to perform a manufacture work by a plurality of work-element performing apparatuses. In the manufacture work machine including a plurality of work-element performing apparatuses 40, 28, 32, etc., and a central control device 130, 136 configured to control the work-element performing apparatuses in a centralized manner, such that a plurality of motion commands are sequentially transmitted, each work-element performing apparatus has an individual control device 90, 100, 104, etc., configured to control an operation of each work-element performing apparatus and an operating device 58, 72, 78, etc., for performing a work element corresponding to each work-element performing apparatus. Each individual control device is configured to recognize a matter of the motion command transmitted from the central control device and is configured to control an operation of the operating device such that a motion corresponding to the motion command is performed. In this structure, the central control device need not change a programming language of the motion command, depending upon the work-element performing apparatus to which the motion command is transmitted, thereby enhancing practical utility of the manufacture work machine.