Material Conveying Module with Modular Control for Layout Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material conveying apparatuses require significant labor and workload to change their mechanism, electrical, and programs when the production line layout is altered, due to direct connections between the driving part and the master controlling module.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sub-controlling module fixed on the driving part of the material conveying module, allowing for a modular structure with direct control signal transmission, enabling independent operation and configuration through the master controlling module without rewiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the driving part is directly connected to the master controlling module, then automatic control is achieved, but the labor input cost and workload increase significantly when layout changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple levels: the master controlling module at the top level and multiple sub-controlling modules at the execution level. Each sub-controlling module is independently connected to the driving part it controls (motor, conveyor, lifting device), forming a hierarchical control architecture. This segmentation allows the master module to manage overall coordination while sub-modules handle specific control tasks, reducing the complexity of reconfiguration when layout changes occur.
Solution Approach 2:
Sub-controlling modules serve as intermediaries between the master controlling module and the driving part. Instead of direct connections requiring complex rewiring during layout changes, the sub-controlling modules act as adaptable intermediaries that can be repositioned or reconfigured more easily. Each sub-module maintains its own connection to the driving part while communicating with the master module, providing flexibility in system reconfiguration.
2Measurement precision
If the driving part is directly connected to the master controlling module, then control precision is maintained, but the device complexity increases when layout changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into hierarchical levels with the master controlling module handling high-level coordination and sub-controlling modules handling specific driving part control. This segmentation maintains control precision by dedicating specialized sub-modules to specific driving functions while reducing overall device complexity through modular architecture that simplifies reconfiguration during layout changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control architecture is designed to be dynamic and adaptable. Sub-controlling modules can be independently configured and repositioned based on layout requirements while maintaining their control functions. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt to changing layouts without requiring complete reconfiguration of the control system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining control precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the production line layout is changed, then adaptability is improved, but the time and resources required for reconfiguration increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control system into independent sub-controlling modules, each associated with specific driving parts, the system enables selective reconfiguration. When layout changes are needed, only the relevant sub-modules need to be repositioned or reconfigured rather than the entire control system, significantly reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining layout adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Sub-controlling modules are pre-configured with the capability to independently control their associated driving parts. This preliminary configuration of modular control units allows for rapid deployment and repositioning when layout changes occur, as the modules are already prepared to function independently and can be quickly integrated into new configurations without extensive reprogramming or reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a material conveying module and a material conveying apparatus, where the material conveying module includes a driving part and a sub-controlling module; the driving part is configured to drive a material tray of the material conveying apparatus to move, the sub-controlling module is fixed on the driving part, and an end of the sub-controlling module is signal-connected to the driving part and another end of the sub-controlling module is configured to signal-connect to a master controlling module of the material conveying apparatus, and the sub-controlling module is configured to, under an action of the master controlling module, control the driving part to operate.