Manufacturing Control Node Using Sequence Table Interpretation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face challenges in adapting to product and process changes due to their specific design for individual products, leading to high time and effort requirements for modifications, despite the use of decentralized open control systems which aim to reduce complexity and increase flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A control node and control system architecture that utilizes a sequence table and subscribers, where each subscriber has a sequence interpreter to read and interpret the sequence table, initiate actions, and generate signaling data, allowing for flexible management of manufacturing processes and adaptations through re-programming of sequence tables without interrupting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automation systems are specifically designed for individual products, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability to product and process changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the sequence table can be reprogrammed and modified during operation. The control node allows for dynamic changes in manufacturing sequences by updating the sequence table data structure, enabling the system to adapt to different products and processes while maintaining precise control through the structured sequence interpretation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing modification of the sequence table contents, which define the manufacturing process steps. The sequence interpreter reads and executes instructions from this configurable data structure, permitting flexible adjustment of process parameters and sequences without changing the underlying control system architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If automation systems are adapted to product changes, then adaptability is improved, but time and effort required for modifications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into modular components: control nodes, subscribers, sequence tables, and sequence interpreters. This segmentation allows independent modification of specific sequence tables and individual subscribers without affecting the entire system, reducing the time and effort required for adaptations by isolating changes to discrete, manageable units
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a standardized data structure (sequence table) that can be copied and reused across different manufacturing sequences. Once a sequence table is created for a particular process, it can be replicated and modified for similar processes, significantly reducing the time and effort needed for system adaptation to new products
3Device complexity
If decentralized control is implemented, then system complexity is reduced and flexibility is improved, but coordination between control nodes becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sequence tables as an intermediary data structure that mediates coordination between decentralized control nodes. Each control node maintains its own sequence table and sequence interpreter, allowing autonomous operation while ensuring coordinated execution through the standardized sequence definition format. The sequence table acts as a common language that enables synchronization without centralized control
Data Source
AI summary
A control node has a sequence table and subscribers, with the sequence table having data records each having an identification for an action of a manufacturing sequence associated with the control node, an identification for a subscriber carrying out the action and an identification of a parameter set associated with the action, and wherein each subscriber has a sequence interpreter which is designed to read and to interpret the sequence table, and to initiate the actions associated with the subscriber.