Packaging Machine Track Control Using Minimum Separation Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
In packaging machine systems with independently movable objects, there is a risk of collision during calibration and re-positioning due to variability in orientation and shape, leading to complex and resource-intensive customization and maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine minimum separation distances between object coordinates and associate them in a function to ensure safe movement of objects along a track, preventing collisions by maintaining required separation distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independently movable objects are used to manipulate packaging containers, then the packaging machine can perform various operations (sealing, wrapping, etc.), but the risk of collision between objects increases during calibration and re-positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the movable objects and the track, calculating and enforcing minimum separation distances. The system determines object coordinates, computes required separation distances based on object dimensions and positions, and prevents collision by controlling object movement to maintain these calculated distances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manually repositioning and calibrating independently movable objects is performed, then the packaging machine can be adapted to different applications, but the customization and maintenance processes become complex and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration through automated calculation of minimum separation distances based on object coordinates and dimensions. Instead of requiring manual measurement and adjustment, the control system automatically determines safe separation distances and enforces them during object movement, enabling the system to adapt to different configurations without complex manual procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the configuration of independently movable objects varies depending on track location, then the objects can assume different orientations and shapes for different operations, but the calibration and maintenance resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically calculates minimum separation distances based on the current positions and configurations of movable objects on the track. As objects move to different locations and assume different orientations, the control system continuously updates the separation distance requirements, enabling flexible reconfiguration without fixed calibration procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is disclosed comprising controlling a packaging machine having independently movable objects along a track, moving object volumes (301', 302') of a leading object (301) and a trailing object (302) along a section of a coordinate system, determine a set of minimum separation distances (dm1, dm2, dm3) between the object coordinates (xa, xb) of the leading and trailing objects over an interval, associating object coordinates (xa2, xa3, xa4) of the trailing object and the corresponding minimum separation distances in a first function (dm), and for a selected object coordinate (xa) communicated to a selected movable object (302), determine the corresponding minimum separation distance (dma) from the first function (dm), comparing the minimum separation distance (dma) from the first function (dm) with a resulting separation (d) between said selected object coordinate (xa) and an object coordinate (xb) of a movable object (301) closest downstream of the selected movable object (302).