Portable Conversion Device for Wireless Process Instruction Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transmitting instructions to operators on process units, such as those used in woodworking or plastic processing, are prone to errors and time-consuming, especially when actions need to be performed at locations distant from the control panel, leading to increased risk of incorrect machine adjustments and operator safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a contactless interface to transmit process data from a process unit to a portable conversion device, such as a smartphone, via optical or wireless means, allowing operators to access instructions as coded symbols like QR codes, enabling error-free and timely access to handling instructions without mechanical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If instructions are displayed on the control panel, then the operator can access handling instructions, but the operator must walk back and forth between the control panel and the machine location, increasing time consumption and error risk
Solution Approach 1:
A portable conversion device (smartphone, tablet, or portable display) serves as an intermediary between the control panel and the operator. The device receives process data via wireless transmission (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless protocols) from the control panel and displays the converted instructions locally at the machine location, eliminating the need for the operator to return to the control panel repeatedly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical paper printing with an electronic wireless transmission system. Instead of printing instructions on paper (mechanical process), the system uses wireless data transmission and electronic display to deliver instructions instantly to the portable device, reducing both time and material consumption.
2Ease of operation
If a printer is provided on the control panel to print action information, then the operator has instructions at the location, but providing a printer on each machine is expensive and printing is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The portable conversion device serves multiple functions: it acts as a display instrument, a wireless receiver, and an instruction converter. Instead of requiring separate printers at each machine location, a single portable device can serve multiple machines by moving between locations, reducing overall hardware requirements and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of the control panel's process data and transmits them wirelessly to the portable device. This eliminates the need for physical printing while providing the operator with accessible instructions at the machine location, reducing both hardware costs and time consumption.
3Loss of time
If additional display instruments are provided on the machine, then the operator travels less distance, but the purchase of additional display instruments is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The display location is made dynamic rather than static. Instead of installing fixed display instruments at multiple predetermined locations, the portable conversion device can be dynamically positioned wherever the operator needs instructions, providing flexibility and eliminating the need for expensive fixed installations at every possible location.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The process device has a process unit which is provided for transport, packaging, or handling of work pieces made of timber, timber material or plastic. A contactless interface is provided for transferring process data corresponding to procedural instruction based on Bluetooth. A portable conversion device is provided with a detection unit for detecting and converting the process data according to procedural instruction. An output device is provided for outputting the procedural instruction. An independent claim is included for a method for transmitting procedural instruction.