Production Line Selection Using Real-Time Parameters and Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Production lines in electronics production face inefficiencies due to changing order situations, maintenance, machine operator breaks, and program changes, leading to downtimes that reduce throughput, affect appointment fidelity, and decrease energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A selection system using an algorithm that updates process parameters continuously, prioritizes production lines based on input values, parameter weights, and desired production strategies, and automatically initiates process measures to optimize throughput, energy efficiency, and adherence to schedules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If production lines operate continuously to maximize throughput, then productivity increases, but energy consumption increases and maintenance requirements are neglected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction throughputVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts production line operation states based on real-time parameters and algorithmic decisions, transitioning between active production, standby mode, and shutdown states to optimize the balance between throughput and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (temperature, speed, power state) of production line machines based on continuously updated process parameters and algorithmic recommendations, allowing adaptation to varying production demands while managing energy usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If production lines are shut down during downtime to save energy, then energy efficiency improves, but production throughput decreases when reconnection is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidproduction throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-heating or pre-cooling machines during standby mode before full production resumes, and by proactively scheduling maintenance during predicted downtime periods, reducing the impact on subsequent production throughput

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses continuously updated process parameters and algorithmic feedback to determine the optimal timing and duration of shutdowns, balancing energy savings against the impact on production throughput based on real-time plant conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If machines run during maintenance and breaks to maintain throughput, then productivity is maintained, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction throughputVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing production tasks to be automatically reallocated to other available production lines when downtime is detected, reducing the need to keep machines running during maintenance and breaks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If production lines are selected based on availability to maximize throughput, then productivity increases, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to selective operation of energy-intensive machines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction throughputVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system cushions against energy inefficiency by incorporating energy consumption predictions into the production line selection algorithm, pre-identifying lines that offer the best balance between availability and energy efficiency for upcoming production tasks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4542318A1Method for selecting production lines for a production task
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4542318A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4542318A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4542318A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for selecting production lines for a production task is proposed, wherein a selection system (10) uses an algorithm, the algorithm comprising at least one process parameter (PP) as an input value specific to the production line (3), an associated parameter weighting (PG) and a key figure (KZ) as an output value, wherein the respective process parameter (PP) is continuously updated and at least one continuously updated process parameter (PP) is fed into a cyclic execution of the algorithm (11), wherein the selection system (10) updates the selection and automatically initiates a corresponding process measure.