Mobile Control Unit for Printing Press Consumable Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current processing machine systems lack a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for data acquisition and machine operation, particularly in sheet-fed printing presses, where manual recording of consumables and process steps is common, and machine connectivity is limited, leading to inefficiencies and increased organizational downtime.

Innovation Solution

A processing machine system with a mobile operating unit that communicates wirelessly, providing machine-relevant and consumable-relevant data to operators, including settings, corrections, and inventory management, and featuring inductive charging for ergonomic operation, along with NFC tags for easy data access and tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual recording of consumables and process steps is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and data accuracy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile operating unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a control interface for machine operations, a data collection device for consumables, a navigation system with NFC capabilities, and a charging station. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically records consumable data when the mobile device approaches the machine via NFC communication, eliminating the need for manual recording. The machine itself provides the data to the mobile device, and the mobile device automatically transmits this data to the control system, reducing human intervention and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If permanently installed displays and control panels are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoiduser interface accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface transitions from static permanently installed displays to a dynamic mobile device that operators can move freely around the machine. The mobile device adapts its position and orientation based on operator needs, providing flexibility while maintaining ease of operation through familiar touchscreen and NFC interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile operating unit acts as an intermediary between the operator and the machine control system. It provides a flexible interface that can be positioned optimally for different operations, while NFC tags serve as intermediaries for automatic data exchange, combining adaptability with ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If data acquisition stations are installed for online data acquisition, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata acquisition accuracyVSAvoidhardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex hardware data acquisition stations with a mobile computing device that uses NFC (Near Field Communication) technology for automatic data exchange. This substitution maintains measurement precision through automated data collection while dramatically reducing hardware complexity and installation requirements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile operating unit serves as a universal data acquisition device that can collect various types of data (machine status, consumable levels, process parameters) through NFC communication and other sensors, eliminating the need for multiple specialized data acquisition stations and reducing overall system complexity.

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

4Ease of operation

If mobile devices with rechargeable batteries are used, then ease of operation and flexibility are improved, but loss of time occurs due to charging interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobile operation convenienceVSAvoidcharging downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device is automatically recharged at designated stations throughout the production area before it is needed again. This preliminary charging action ensures the device is always ready for use without requiring operators to manually charge it, eliminating charging interruptions and maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automatic recharging of the mobile device through designated charging stations. When the mobile device is placed on or near these stations, charging occurs automatically without operator intervention, eliminating manual charging tasks and reducing time loss while maintaining the flexibility of mobile operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances productivity by simplifying data access and reducing downtime through automated data management and ergonomic charging, while also optimizing production sequences and ensuring secure information access for operators.

Implementation Method 1

The charging point, in particular with a charger, for example with an inductive charger, for charging the energy store (52) of the mobile operating unit (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive charging: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3439886B1Processing machine system and method for operating a processing machine system
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 KOENIG & BAUER AG
  • EP3439886B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a processing machine system having at least one mobile control unit, wherein at least one substance-related feature of the processing machine system can be detected by the mobile control unit and wherein, on detection of the substance-related feature by the mobile control unit, data associated with the feature can be and/or are made available to a user by the mobile control unit, and a method for operating a processing machine system. The problem addressed by the invention is that of providing an alternative processing machine system or an alternative method for operating a processing machine system. According to the invention, the problem is characterized in that the data associated with the feature contain data concerning at least one consumable of the processing machine system.