Process Stream Segmentation for Material Efficiency Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the processing industry, there is a lack of effective solutions to measure and improve material efficiency, leading to significant resource losses due to inefficiencies in data collection and visualization, which are exacerbated by the challenges of 'big data' and the complexity of identifying bottlenecks in production processes.

Innovation Solution

A method that subdivides the main process stream into process side streams, defines measuring points, records and evaluates data using measuring systems, and assigns markings to collection containers to track and optimize workpieces, allowing for the precise measurement and quantification of parameters such as weight and processing speed, enabling data-driven process improvements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If data collection systems are implemented to measure process parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess parameter measurementVSAvoiddata collection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the production process into multiple measuring points along the process stream, with each measuring point independently recording specific parameters. This segmentation allows precise measurement of process parameters at different stages without requiring a single complex centralized system, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through modular distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If comprehensive data collection is implemented across the production process, then information completeness is improved, but loss of time in data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess data completenessVSAvoiddata evaluation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Data from measuring points is automatically recorded and preliminary evaluated as the process stream moves through the production line. By performing data collection and initial evaluation in advance at distributed measuring points rather than centralizing it later, the system achieves comprehensive data completeness while reducing the time required for data processing and analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If material efficiency monitoring is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial efficiencyVSAvoidmonitoring system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple measurement functions at integrated measuring points along the process stream. By merging data collection, parameter measurement, and material efficiency monitoring into unified measuring points rather than using separate specialized devices, the system achieves improved manufacturing precision and material efficiency monitoring while reducing overall device complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the detection and quantification of material losses, optimizing resource usage and improving material efficiency by providing actionable insights through data visualization and real-time feedback, thereby reducing waste and enhancing production line efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the measured weight of the workpieces collected in the collection container is measured as parameters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWeighing:

Data Source

PatentEP3012603B1Method and computer program for registering and quantification of characteristics of a production process
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 QUBE ING UG
  • EP3012603B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3012603B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a computer program for acquiring and quantifying parameters of a process, comprising a main process stream of workpieces (4, 20, 21), comprising the steps of: - dividing the main process stream (1) into process by-streams (2) of workpieces (4, 20, 21) to be investigated, - defining measuring points (3) for the process, wherein each measuring point (3) is assigned a process by-stream (2) to be investigated, - acquiring data for each measuring point (3) for the process by-stream (2) to be investigated assigned to it with at least one measuring system (6), wherein the data contain at least one measured parameter of the respective process by-stream (2) to be investigated, - evaluating (9, 10, 11) the acquired data for at least one measuring point (3).