Method for controlling a processing device, control unit and processing device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing devices struggle to adapt flexibly to unforeseen situations or deviations in processing steps, limiting their ability to achieve desired process results, especially in complex processes like food preparation or chemical production.

Innovation Solution

A control unit for processing devices that predicts process outcomes based on current environmental and product parameters, adjusts control parameters iteratively to achieve desired results, and continuously evaluates the process to ensure quality and resource efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If processing devices use fixed processing processes, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to unforeseen situations and deviations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing process structureVSAvoidadaptability to deviations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors actual processing parameters and compares them with planned parameters, then automatically adjusts the processing process based on detected deviations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the processing device to adapt to unforeseen situations while maintaining a structured approach to process control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of measurement data to predict potential deviations and their impact on the end product quality. By anticipating problems before they occur, the system can proactively adjust processing parameters to prevent quality issues rather than merely reacting to them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If processing devices continuously monitor and adjust processing parameters, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess adaptation capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is divided into distinct functional modules: a measurement data acquisition module, a deviation detection module, a prediction module, and an adjustment module. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The processing device automatically monitors its own operation, detects deviations, predicts their impact, and adjusts parameters without external intervention. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external control systems and manual monitoring, simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If processing devices make predictive changes based on measurement data, then process quality improves, but measurement and detection difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess result qualityVSAvoidparameter monitoring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system focuses on monitoring and adjusting only the critical processing parameters that have the most significant impact on end product quality, rather than attempting to control every parameter. This selective approach maintains high quality outcomes while reducing measurement and detection complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex manual measurement and analysis methods with automated sensors and computational algorithms. This substitution enables precise prediction of processing outcomes and automatic adjustment of parameters, improving quality while simplifying the measurement and detection processes through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3819721B1Method for controlling a processing device, control unit and processing device
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 RATIONAL AG
  • EP3819721B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3819721B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3819721B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for controlling at least one processing device comprises the following steps: a) predicting the outcome of the ongoing processing operation based on at least one current value of an environmental parameter and a product parameter, b) determining whether the predicted outcome sufficiently matches the desired outcome, c) identifying an adapted processing operation if the predicted outcome does not sufficiently match the desired outcome, and d) controlling the processing device based on the adapted processing operation. Furthermore, a control unit, a processing device, a computer program, and a computer-readable data carrier are shown.