Movable Operating Member Setup via Motion Profile Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for setting up movable operating members in automatic machines for manufacturing or packaging consumer articles are inefficient, requiring manual adjustments by expert technicians, leading to non-reproducible results, significant time consumption, and high material waste due to empirical modifications.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an interface device and control unit that allows operators to adjust conversion parameters to modify the motion profiles of movable operating members, independent of the mechanical details, enabling precise setup without mechanical tools or expert intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual setup operations (calibration, filing, shimming) are performed by expert technicians, then machining precision can be improved, but time consumption and material waste increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining precisionVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical setup operations (filing, shimming, calibration) with an automated control system that uses sensors and actuators to adjust movable operating members. The control unit receives position data from sensors and automatically generates adjustment commands, eliminating the need for expert technicians to perform manual mechanical adjustments while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service setup by allowing operators to perform calibration through a user interface without requiring expert knowledge. The control unit automatically processes sensor data, calculates necessary adjustments, and executes them, making the setup process autonomous and eliminating dependence on skilled technicians.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If manual setup operations are performed by expert technicians, then machining precision can be improved, but material waste increases due to empirical modifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining precisionVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the position and movement of movable operating members. This feedback is transmitted to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the parameters to achieve the desired motion profile. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates empirical trial-and-error adjustments, preventing material waste from unsuccessful setup attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If mechanical coordination procedures are used for motor synchronization, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and precision are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical coordination procedures with an electronic control system that uses sensors and a control unit to synchronize motors. The control unit receives position data from sensors and automatically generates adjustment commands, enabling precise coordination without complex mechanical linkages. This substitution maintains simplicity while dramatically improving adaptability and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If empirical modification of motion profiles is performed by operators, then adaptability to product requirements is improved, but productivity decreases due to numerous attempts

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12570421B2Method to set up a movable operating member of an automatic machine for manufacturing or packaging consumer articles

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 GD SPA

AI summary

A method to set up at least one movable operating member (5, 7) of an automatic machine (1) for manufacturing consumer articles (3) comprising the steps (16, 17) of: defining a first motion profile (FP) of the movable operating member (5, 7), determining possible imperfections in the processing of the articles (3), defining a corresponding second motion profile (SP) of an electric actuator system (8, 9), which, through a motion transmission system (12), is mechanically connected to the movable operating member (5, 7) and moves the movable operating member (5, 7) with the first motion profile (FP), correcting, by means of an interface device (15) of the automatic machine (1) and based on the possible determined imperfections, at least one conversion parameter (50) concerning the processing on the articles (3) performed by the movable operating member (5, 7); processing the first motion profile (FP), thus obtaining a first modified profile (MFP) of the movable operating member (5, 7).