Production Line Scenario Control Using Part-Level Quality and Carbon Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing parts on a production line fail to accurately estimate quality, carbon footprint, and cost in real-time, as they do not account for live data at the part level, leading to inaccurate predictions and lack of decision-making based on integrated quality, carbon footprint, and cost parameters.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize real-time data to run prediction algorithms trained on historical quality, carbon footprint, and cost datasets to predict part quality, carbon footprint, and cost, allowing for scenario determination and selection to optimize manufacturing strategies, incorporating live production data for enhanced decision-making and traceability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If independent analytical approaches based on historical data are used to estimate quality, carbon footprint, and cost, then each estimation can be performed separately, but the predictions become inaccurate because live data at part level is not taken into account

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges three separate analytical approaches (quality estimation, carbon footprint estimation, and cost estimation) into a single integrated system that processes live data at part level. The supervision device combines multiple prediction algorithms that simultaneously consider quality parameters, carbon footprint, and cost, using real-time data from the production line to generate accurate predictions for each part individually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously receiving live data from the production line and using prediction algorithms to generate real-time estimates of quality, carbon footprint, and cost. These predictions are fed back to the supervision device, which can then adjust manufacturing parameters or alert operators to potential issues, enabling continuous improvement and accurate tracking throughout the production process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If global assumptions are used for batch of parts instead of live data at part level, then processing is simpler, but prediction accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the production process into individual part-level evaluations rather than treating batches as homogeneous units. Each part is assessed independently using live data collected during manufacturing, allowing for precise prediction of quality, carbon footprint, and cost for each specific part. This segmentation enables targeted decision-making and traceability along the production process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically collecting live data from sensors and production line equipment, processing it through prediction algorithms, and generating real-time assessments without requiring manual intervention for each part. This automated approach maintains high processing speed while achieving part-level prediction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parameters (quality, carbon footprint, cost) are optimized simultaneously, then comprehensive decision-making is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecision-making capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supervision device is designed as a universal platform that handles multiple functions: collecting live data from the production line, running prediction algorithms for quality estimation, carbon footprint calculation, and cost analysis, and providing comprehensive decision-making support. This multi-functional system integrates diverse parameters into a unified interface, enabling operators to optimize quality, carbon footprint, and cost simultaneously through scenario-based decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4465135A1Method and device for manufacturing a series of parts on a production line taking into account quality data and carbon footprint
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 BULL SA
  • EP4465135A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4465135A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4465135A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention related to a method for manufacturing a series of parts using a manufacturing machine of a production line and a supervision device configured for controlling in real time said manufacturing machine taking into account quality data, carbon footprint and cost, said method comprising the steps of receiving (S1) real time data from said production line, running (S2A) a first prediction algorithm (PA1) to predict quality data on said series of parts in real time, running (S2B) a second prediction algorithm (PA2) to predict a carbon footprint of the series of parts in real time, running (S2C) a third prediction algorithm (PA3) to predict the cost of the series of parts in real time, determining (S3) a set of scenarios based on the predicted carbon footprint and the predicted cost, selecting (S4) at least one scenario in the set of scenarios based on the predicted carbon footprint and/or the predicted cost, manufacturing (S5) the series of parts according to the selected scenario.