Product Code Identification for Manufacturing Substrates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of complex products is hindered by time-consuming and error-prone manual interpretation of routing slips, and the risk of losing the allocation between substrates and product descriptions, especially when production is distributed across multiple sites and companies, leading to high administrative efforts.
Innovation Solution
A method that converts product parameter sets into unique product codes, allowing for automated identification and processing, where the product code is generated based on clear rules, enabling the reconstruction of product descriptions from any identification using a known conversion rule, and simplifying the transfer of manufacturing orders across different production systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If routing slips are used to carry manufacturing information, then product description and order data can be transmitted, but manual reading and interpretation becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual reading and interpretation of routing slips with an automated optical scanning system. Barcode readers or RFID scanners automatically capture product identification data, eliminating the need for personnel to manually read and interpret routing slips, thereby reducing time loss and human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses barcode or RFID tag representations that copy the essential product identification information from the original routing slip data. This copied information can be rapidly scanned and processed electronically, replacing the need to handle and interpret physical routing slips while maintaining accurate information transmission.
2Loss of information
If routing slips are used to accompany products through manufacturing, then product information is available at processing stations, but allocation between substrate and product description can be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical association mechanism (routing slips attached to substrates) with an automated electronic tracking system. Barcode scanners or RFID readers automatically read product identification at each processing station, and the control system electronically maintains the allocation between substrate and product description, eliminating the risk of physical separation or loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where product identification data is continuously scanned and verified at each processing station. The control system receives feedback from scanners and automatically updates the tracking information, ensuring that the allocation between substrate and product description is maintained throughout the manufacturing process through continuous verification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple databases are established for distributed production sites, then product information can be accessed across companies, but administrative effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal product identification system using standardized barcodes or RFID tags that can be scanned and recognized across all production sites and companies. This universal identification mechanism allows product information to be accessed across distributed locations without requiring complex multi-database systems, as the same identification protocol works everywhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the information access function across multiple companies and production sites into a single standardized identification system. Instead of maintaining separate databases at each location, the system uses a common barcode/RFID identification standard that enables information retrieval across the entire distributed network, simplifying administrative management while maintaining cross-company adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for manufacturing movable products, at least one substrate to be processed into the product is provided with an identification that is generated from parameter values of the product to be manufactured in accordance with a rule. This rule is so bijective that identical parameter sets always lead to the same product code incorporated into the identification, and that the product parameter set, on which the identification is based, can be reconstructed from the identification at any time.