Injection Molding Interface for Item-Specific Setting History
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing injection molding machines require complex condition setting work when replacing molds, as operators need to navigate through a large setting history screen to find and adjust set values, making the process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A molding machine with a display device that superimposes a change information entity screen on the set screen, allowing operators to easily view and adjust set values by selecting an item, with the history information displayed only for the selected item, simplifying the setting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a large setting history screen displaying all change information entities is used, then complete historical data is available, but the operator cannot quickly find and adjust specific set values
Solution Approach 1:
The setting history screen is segmented into multiple columns, with each column representing a different change information entity (e.g., set value, change time, operator name). This segmentation allows the operator to focus on specific columns related to the item being adjusted, making it easier to find and modify set values without being overwhelmed by all historical data at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device presents different levels of detail for different parts of the interface. When an operator selects a specific item, the system displays detailed change information entities related to that item with higher prominence, while other items remain less prominent. This local quality enhancement allows the operator to quickly access relevant historical data for the selected item without displaying all data equally.
2Loss of information
If all change information entities are displayed in a single column on the setting history screen, then complete information is shown, but the operator must search through multiple columns to find the relevant item
Solution Approach 1:
The change information entities are segmented across multiple columns, with each column dedicated to a specific type of information (set value, change time, operator name, etc.). The operator can quickly locate the relevant column for the item being adjusted and access the information directly without scanning through all columns, significantly reducing search time while maintaining complete information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface transitions from a single-column linear arrangement to a multi-column tabular structure, adding a dimensional aspect to information organization. This allows the operator to view multiple change information entities simultaneously across different columns, making it easier to correlate information and quickly find relevant data without time-consuming searches.
3Loss of information
If the setting history screen is displayed superimposed on the set screen, then historical data is accessible, but the operator must close the history screen to return to the set screen
Solution Approach 1:
The setting history screen and set screen are merged into a single integrated display interface. The history screen is displayed superimposed on the set screen, allowing both historical data and current settings to be viewed simultaneously without requiring the operator to switch between separate screens. This integration eliminates the need to close the history screen to return to the set screen, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays both the set screen for current settings and the setting history screen for historical data, as well as providing input functionality. This multi-functionality allows the operator to access historical information and adjust settings within a single interface, eliminating the need to switch between different operational modes or screens.
Data Source
AI summary
An injection molding machine, includes: a storage device configured to store change information entities related to a plurality of items included in a molding condition; a display device configured to display a set screen for setting a set value to at least one item of the plurality of items; an input device configured to input an item selection operation to select one item from the items in the set screen displayed on the display device; and a control device configured to cause the display device to display an item setting history screen including a change information entity display section to display only the change information entity related to the item selected by the item selection operation superimposed on the set screen.