Packaging Machine Lighting Bands for Error Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging machines lack effective visual guidance for operators to quickly and safely locate error sources or warnings within the machine, often requiring extensive searches and increasing operational risks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of light bands of different colors on the packaging machine housing, where flashing or directional light bands indicate machine standstill or error locations, allowing for efficient visual guidance of operators to the affected station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional rotating lights or individual LED indicators are used to signal machine status, then the machine structure remains simple, but the operator cannot quickly locate error sources or warnings within the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independently controllable light bands positioned at different machine locations and heights. Each light band can be individually activated to guide operators to specific error locations, transforming a single complex lighting system into multiple simple, localized segments that work together to solve the localization problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical dimension to the lighting system by positioning light bands at different heights (e.g., upper and lower levels) and locations (front, rear, sides) of the machine. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows operators to locate errors more quickly from various viewing angles, overcoming the limitation of traditional single-plane indicators.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If operators must physically search through the machine to locate errors, then the lighting system remains simple, but operator safety is compromised due to potential collisions with moving machine parts
Solution Approach 1:
The light bands provide preliminary visual guidance to operators before they approach the machine. By illuminating the specific area where an error has occurred, the system prepares operators in advance, allowing them to approach cautiously and avoid moving parts in other areas of the machine that may still be in motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The light bands act as an intermediary communication medium between the machine's control system and the operator. Instead of requiring direct visual inspection of complex machine internals, the lighting system translates error information into intuitive visual signals that guide operators safely to the problem area without exposing them to hidden dangers.
3Loss of information
If multiple individual LEDs or light signals are used throughout the machine, then error locations can be indicated, but the amount of cabling and control complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light-emitting elements within each light band are electrically connected in parallel, allowing them to be controlled as a single unit. This merging approach reduces the number of separate control circuits needed while maintaining the ability to indicate errors at multiple locations through selective activation of different light bands.
Solution Approach 2:
Each light band serves multiple functions: indicating error presence, locating specific error positions, and providing visual warnings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling systems for different types of machine status information, simplifying the overall control architecture despite the distributed physical arrangement.
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
This solution significantly reduces operator travel routes, enhances safety by avoiding collisions with machine parts, and provides clear, visual indications of error locations or material shortages, enabling quicker intervention and improved machine operation.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting elements are designed as light strips, preferably LED strips
Implementation Method 2
light bands of different colors on the packaging machine housing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The object of the invention is to guide operating personnel quickly and safely, both inside and outside a packaging machine, to the location of a fault or warning by utilizing light effects on the packaging machine, while simultaneously providing the advantageous design solutions for this purpose. The packaging machine (1) is equipped with at least a partial housing with a frame (2), with a plurality of stations (3) for example, for processing products and/or packaging, for receiving products into packaging, and with a discharge area leaving the interior of the packaging machine. The frame (2) is designed at the front and/or rear of the packaging machine (1) as a freestanding portal consisting of a horizontal support (4) and two vertical supports (5).which in their extent encompass all parts of the packaging machine (1), wherein both portals are connected in the lower area by an internal frame structure (6) and in the upper area of the portals and between the portals, lighting elements (8), preferably in the form of light strips (12), are arranged around the entire packaging machine (1), which are assigned to stations (3) located section by section behind or below them. The horizontal support (4) consists of two, preferably three, square profiles (9) arranged in a triangular shape relative to each other.