Planar Transport Mover Teaching Through Direct Manual Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for training planar transport devices often result in inaccuracies and deviations due to indirect operator interactions, requiring special programming skills and additional input devices, which complicates the specification of handling element movements and adjustments during operation.

Innovation Solution

A method where operator interactions are performed directly on the handling element of a planar transport device, using a sensor unit and control unit to convert manual movements into electronic commands, allowing for intuitive and user-friendly training of movement sequences and adjustments without the need for special programming skills, enabling precise and adaptable handling behaviors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If operator interactions are performed indirectly using additional input devices, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and manufacturing precision deteriorate due to deviations between operator interaction and resulting operating behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of operator interactionVSAvoidcomplexity of input device
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the teaching function from separate input devices and integrates it directly into the handling element itself. The handling element now contains both the actuator controls and the teaching interface, eliminating the need for external teaching devices and reducing the source of measurement errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the teaching functionality with the handling element's operational controls. The same interface used to control the electrodynamically movable mover during operation is also used to teach new behaviors, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system that improves precision while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If manual programming commands are written, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement of special programming skills

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of teaching operationVSAvoidcomplexity of programming interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service teaching where the operator directly interacts with the handling element to teach new behaviors without needing external programming tools or specialized skills. The handling element's own controls serve as the teaching interface, making the system teach itself through natural operator interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual programming command writing with direct physical interaction. Instead of writing code or using complex programming interfaces, the operator physically manipulates the handling element during teaching mode, and the system automatically captures the movement data and converts it into operational commands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustments are made during ongoing operation, then adaptability improves, but loss of time increases due to interruption of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of operating behaviorVSAvoidtime for teaching and adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary teaching of new behaviors during idle periods or between production cycles. The integrated teaching interface allows operators to prepare and test new movement sequences without interrupting ongoing production, as the teaching can be performed on the handling element itself when not actively engaged in product handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between operation mode and teaching mode using the same handling element. The electrodynamically movable mover can seamlessly transition from executing pre-taught behaviors to being manually manipulated for new teaching, and back again, without requiring physical reconfiguration or system shutdown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach enables precise and user-friendly training of handling elements, allowing operators to specify movement paths and speeds easily, with automatic compensation for inaccuracies, resulting in improved precision and operator comfort, and facilitating quick adaptations during ongoing operations.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor unit, in particular one arranged at least partially on the handling element, for detecting a position of the handling element relative to the movement surface element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one movement surface element (34), in particular comprising at least one electromagnetic drive unit (32)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic drive: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentEP4325312A1Method for learning a planar transport device, planar transport device
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 SYNTEGON TECHNOLOGY GMBH
  • EP4325312A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4325312A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3b
  • EP4325312A1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for teaching a planar transport device, wherein the operating behavior of at least one handling element (14) of the planar transport device, designed as an electrodynamically movable mover and intended for handling products (16), is taught by means of an operator interaction, which is designed in a manner that differs from manually writing a programming command. It is proposed that the operator interaction takes place directly on the handling element (14), preferably without an additional operator input device, in order to define the operating behavior of the handling element (14).