Process Key Control for Distributed Product Composition Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing product combinations lack flexibility and adaptability, requiring centralized control systems to manage complex production processes across multiple machines and locations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using an identification means with a process key containing a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) and a control element area, which allows machines to recognize and execute work steps based on embedded or network-accessible control information, eliminating the need for a central control system and enabling distributed production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized control system is used to manage complex production processes across multiple machines and locations, then production coordination and control are achieved, but system complexity and dependency on central access increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control system into distributed control units at each machine location. Each machine is equipped with its own control unit that can independently access and execute instructions from the process key, eliminating the need for a single centralized control point and reducing system complexity while maintaining production coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
Each machine is designed to be self-sufficient with its own control unit that can directly read and process instructions from the process key on the product. This self-service capability allows machines to autonomously perform their designated operations without constant centralized intervention, reducing dependency on central access while ensuring reliable production coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control information is stored locally in the process key, then machines can operate autonomously at separate locations, but data security and access control become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The process key is pre-configured with control information and instructions before the product enters the production line. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary control data is already embedded in the product, allowing machines to operate autonomously without needing to access external centralized databases, thereby maintaining data security while enabling machine autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The process key acts as an intermediary carrier that securely transports control information from the planning stage to the execution stage. By embedding control data in the process key rather than storing it in external databases, the system maintains data security while enabling autonomous machine operation at separate locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple customization steps are performed downstream with centralized control, then product specificity is achieved, but production time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
All customization instructions and control information are embedded in the process key before the product enters the production line. This preliminary preparation allows downstream machines to execute customization steps autonomously and simultaneously without waiting for centralized coordination, reducing production time while maintaining product specificity.
Solution Approach 2:
The customization process is segmented into independent control instructions embedded in the process key, allowing different downstream machines to perform customization steps in parallel. This segmentation eliminates the sequential dependency caused by centralized control, increasing production speed while achieving the required product customization.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a product composition which comprises at least one main product and at least one or more sub-products. The main product or a sub-product is provided with machine-readable data as the leading object, which includes a process key (1), which includes at least one Uniform Resource Identifier (URI, 2) and a control element area (3), with at least one machine in the manufacturing process using the Process key (1) recognizes and a work step of the machine is triggered by the process key (1).