Optical Mobile Unit Position Correction for Flexible Manufacturing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating mobile units in industrial manufacturing environments are not precise enough to enable completely autonomous manufacturing, necessitating the use of static boundaries that limit flexibility in handling rapidly changing orders.
Innovation Solution
A method involving rough locating using manufacturing execution system data, followed by sensor unit movement, receiving coded signals, and fine locating using signal position data to correct rough positions, enabling precise identification of mobile units without rigid boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rough locating using MES data is used, then the system is simple and fast, but the location precision is insufficient for autonomous manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The locating process is segmented into two distinct stages: rough locating using MES data for initial positioning, and fine locating using optical sensors and coded signals for precision correction. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor unit acts as an intermediary between the rough locating system and the mobile unit, receiving coded signals from the mobile unit and providing correction data to refine the position information, thereby bridging the gap between coarse and fine localization.
2Measurement precision
If static boundaries and stops are introduced to improve precision, then location accuracy increases, but the flexibility of the manufacturing environment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical static boundaries and physical stops with an optical measurement system that uses coded signals and sensor-based fine locating to achieve precise positioning. This substitution eliminates the need for physical constraints while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static positioning methods to a dynamic fine locating approach where the sensor unit actively measures and corrects position data in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to changing manufacturing conditions without physical reconfiguration.
3Measurement precision
If a two-stage locating method is implemented, then location precision is sufficient for autonomous manufacturing, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile unit carries its own coded signal that enables the sensor unit to automatically identify and measure its position. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external infrastructure or complex centralized control systems, reducing overall system complexity despite the two-stage process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit performs multiple functions: it receives coded signals for identification, measures position data for fine locating, and provides correction information to the MES. This multi-functionality consolidates several system components into one, reducing overall complexity.
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
Enables precise location of mobile units, allowing flexible manufacturing by eliminating the need for static stops, thereby enhancing adaptability to changing orders.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a coded signal emitted by the mobile unit by way of the sensor and finely locating the mobile unit, wherein the sensor ascertains the position of a first transmitter of the coded signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method locates a mobile unit in an industrial manufacturing environment. The method includes: A) rough locating of the mobile unit by way of rough position data of a manufacturing execution system (MES); B) moving a sensor unit comprising a sensor to the mobile unit on a basis of the rough position data; C) receiving a coded signal emitted by the mobile unit by way of the sensor and finely locating the mobile unit, wherein the sensor ascertains the position of a first transmitter of the coded signal and provides the first position in the form of signal position data; and D) identifying the mobile unit on a basis of the coded signal and correcting the rough position data on a basis of the signal position data.