Modular Packaging Machine Control for Fast Module Commissioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular packaging machines require laborious manual adaptation of the control program whenever a machine module is changed or replaced, hindering efficient adaptation to different pack types.

Innovation Solution

A method where a central computing device automatically integrates control subprograms into a main control program during commissioning, enabling seamless integration and operation of machine modules without independent execution, facilitating quick changes and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual adaptation of the control program is performed when a machine module is changed or replaced, then the control program can be updated, but the process is laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol program accuracyVSAvoidcommissioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically detects when a machine module has been changed or replaced and autonomously updates the control program without requiring manual intervention. The system retrieves the appropriate control program data from a data storage device and integrates it into the main control program automatically, making the system self-servicing in the commissioning process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of adapting and checking the control program is replaced by an automated computer-based system. The central control unit automatically detects module changes, retrieves corresponding control program data, and integrates it into the main control program, eliminating the need for manual programming and verification work.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If the entire control program is manually adapted when an individual module is changed, then the control program remains synchronized, but the complexity of the adaptation process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol program consistencyVSAvoidcontrol program adaptation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control program is divided into modular segments, with each machine module having its own associated control program data stored separately in a data storage device. When a module is changed, only the specific control program segment corresponding to that module needs to be updated, rather than adapting the entire control program manually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the configuration of machine modules and automatically detects when changes have occurred. This feedback mechanism triggers the automatic retrieval and integration of the appropriate control program data, ensuring the control program remains synchronized with the current module configuration without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular machine structure is implemented for flexible adaptation to different pack types, then adaptability increases, but the control program integration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepack type adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol program structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal data storage device that contains control program data for multiple different machine module configurations and pack types. The central control unit can automatically retrieve and integrate the appropriate control program segments based on which modules are currently installed, enabling the same machine structure to handle various pack types without increasing control program complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Control program data for various machine module configurations is pre-stored in the data storage device during system setup. When modules are changed or replaced, the system automatically retrieves the corresponding pre-prepared control program data and integrates it, eliminating the need for complex real-time program adaptation and simplifying the control structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3494054B1Packaging machine and method for providing a control program therefor
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 FOCKE & CO (GMBH & CO KG)
  • EP3494054B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3494054B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3494054B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for providing a control program for a packaging machine (10) comprised of a plurality of machine modules, in particular a packaging machine for producing packaging for tobacco products, wherein during or before a startup of the packaging machine (10), in particular during or before a startup after an exchange of a machine module or during or before an initial startup, control sub-programs (27) each clearly dedicated to the machine modules for operating the respective machine module, are automatically assembled to form, with the aid of a central computing device assigned to the packaging machine (10), a control main program (29) for controlling the packaging machine (10).