Mobile Device Changeover Instructions for Beverage Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods in the beverage processing industry lack effective support for operating and changeover processes, particularly in facilitating brand changes, as they do not provide clear, step-by-step instructions that can be easily understood and executed by operators, especially during complex machine operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a mobile device to create, edit, and store detailed step-by-step instructions for operating and changeover processes, including digital images and videos, allowing for on-site analysis and documentation, and enabling operators to access preset processes for efficient generation and execution of new processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If detailed step-by-step instructions with digital images and videos are created and stored for changeover processes, then the ease of operation and understanding for operators is improved, but the device complexity and time required to create the instructions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The changeover process is divided into multiple sub-steps, each with its own instructions, images, and videos. This segmentation allows operators to access only the specific steps they need rather than reviewing entire complex procedures, improving ease of operation while managing information complexity through structured organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A mobile device serves as an intermediary between the complex machine system and the operator. The mobile device presents simplified step-by-step instructions with visual aids, acting as a mediator that translates complex operational procedures into easily understandable guidance without requiring direct complexity in the operator interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If detailed step-by-step instructions with digital images and videos are created and stored for changeover processes, then the ease of operation and understanding for operators is improved, but the time required to create the instructions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instructions, images, and videos are created and stored in advance before actual changeover operations are needed. This preliminary preparation allows operators to immediately access pre-prepared guidance during changeovers, improving ease of operation during critical moments while the time investment is made during non-critical setup phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Visual copies in the form of digital images and videos are created to document the changeover process. These visual copies serve as reusable references that can be accessed repeatedly without requiring re-creation of the actual physical procedures, amortizing the initial time investment across multiple operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If preset operating and switching processes are stored in a database and made accessible, then the productivity and efficiency of changeover operations is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores multiple preset operating and switching processes that can be selected and applied to different changeover scenarios. This universality allows the same system to handle various product changes and machine configurations, improving productivity across different operations while the underlying complexity is managed through standardized storage and retrieval mechanisms.

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

4Ease of operation

If mobile devices are used to create and access changeover instructions on-site, then the ease of operation and accessibility is improved, but the reliability and accuracy of information may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides step-by-step instructions with visual feedback through images and videos that show operators what actions to take. This feedback mechanism ensures operators can verify they are performing correct actions, maintaining reliability while using mobile devices for accessible on-site guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2901222B1Method for supporting operating and changeover processes
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 KRONES AG
  • EP2901222B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2901222B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2901222B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a corresponding device for supporting operating and/or changeover processes for a machine, in particular product type changeovers in the beverage processing industry. Said method comprises the steps "creation" of a description of the changeover process which can comprise a plurality of sub-steps, "processing" of individual sub-steps and "storing" of the changeover process and/or the processed sub-steps.