Interactive Manufacturing Workflow Platform for Real-Time Machine Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern manufacturing facilities face challenges due to the lack of interoperability between digital technologies, leading to siloed data, manual data collection, and inflexible Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) that hinder real-time data access and adaptability, making it difficult to track key performance indicators and manage production efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A web-based, networked manufacturing platform that enables the creation and deployment of interactive manufacturing processes using templates, allowing operators to modify and track processes in real-time, with data collection and analytics integrated into a hierarchical system for improved flexibility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary and open machine interfaces using multiple machine protocols are installed piecemeal, then manufacturing facilities can integrate various digital technologies, but interoperability between existing technologies becomes expensive and data collection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data collection framework that can interface with multiple machine protocols (Siemens, Fanuc, Haas, Mitsubishi, etc.) through a single standardized system. The standardized data collection module acts as a universal adapter that translates diverse proprietary protocols into a common data format, eliminating the need for custom engineering for each machine type and enabling one-to-many connectivity patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized data collection framework as an intermediary layer between diverse machine interfaces and the manufacturing execution system. This framework includes standardized data collection modules that mediate between proprietary machine protocols and the common platform, translating and normalizing data from various sources without requiring direct integration between each machine and the central system.
2Device complexity
If manual, analog means of manufacturing management are used, then existing technologies can be maintained with simple interfaces, but real-time data access and tracking of key performance indicators become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual, analog manufacturing management methods (paper-based tracking, hand-drawn graphs) with an automated digital system. The standardized data collection framework automatically gathers performance data from machines and transmits it to the manufacturing execution system, eliminating the need for manual data entry and enabling real-time digital tracking of key performance indicators through web-based interfaces.
3Productivity
If existing factory floor IT implementations are used, then some data collection capability is provided, but the systems are insufficient for tracking performance over meaningful timeframes and adapting to changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic manufacturing execution system that can adapt to changing production requirements in real-time. The standardized data collection framework continuously monitors machine performance and automatically updates the manufacturing execution system with current data, enabling the system to dynamically respond to changes in production targets, machine status, and performance metrics over meaningful timeframes.
4Loss of information
If centralized manufacturing execution systems are used, then real-time tracking is achieved, but the systems become complicated to configure and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manufacturing execution system into modular standardized data collection modules, each designed to interface with specific machine types through standardized protocols. This segmentation allows the system to be configured by simply selecting and configuring appropriate modules rather than programming a monolithic centralized system, reducing both configuration complexity and cost while maintaining real-time tracking capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An operator defines a process, such as a process for the manufacturing of a product, using templates that may be edited graphically. Each process includes a set of steps that a user must perform in order to accomplish the process. Each step in the process may be associated with one or more pieces of machinery on the floor to achieve the execution of the process, either in advance or at execution time. Each step may also provide various forms of instruction, monitoring, and feedback to aid the user of the associated machinery in performing the process. Data may be collected regarding the user's performance, analyzed, and used to inform the operator who may in turn edit the process with the goal of improving its execution.