Reel Transfer Scheduling With Measured Bobbin Fill Levels

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing transfer operations for reels in tire blank manufacturing are inefficient, leading to ergonomic issues, increased costs, and potential machine stoppages due to the limitations of autonomous mobile platforms when handling multiple mission instructions simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A transfer installation with a control unit, independent mobile platforms, and measuring means to evaluate reel conditions, allowing for optimized mission instructions and minimizing the need for operator intervention by anticipating reel evacuation and supply needs, thus enhancing productivity and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If autonomous mobile platforms are used to transfer reels, then operator intervention is reduced and ergonomics are improved, but the system becomes inefficient when the number of mission instructions exceeds the number of available platforms

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveergonomicsVSAvoidtransfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by measuring the quantity of product on reels in advance and using this data to determine optimal timing for evacuation and supply missions. This allows the control unit to transmit mission instructions proactively, ensuring platforms are dispatched at the most efficient moments rather than reacting to urgent needs, thereby maintaining high transfer efficiency with fewer platforms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the number of mobile platforms is increased to handle multiple missions simultaneously, then productivity is maintained, but the cost and size of the transfer installation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation cost and size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously measuring the quantity of product on reels and communicating this data to the control unit. This feedback loop enables the control unit to optimize mission timing and platform allocation dynamically, ensuring that the minimum necessary number of platforms is deployed while maintaining high transfer efficiency, thus avoiding the need for expensive and large-scale installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If reel transfers are performed manually by operators, then flexibility is maintained, but the process is repetitive and lacks added value

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically measuring reel product quantities, determining optimal transfer timing, and dispatching mobile platforms without continuous human intervention. The autonomous mobile platforms execute transfer operations independently based on control unit instructions, eliminating repetitive manual tasks while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable mission management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3880593B1Method and facility for transferring reels
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP3880593B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3880593B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3880593B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for transferring reels (36) using a transfer facility (38) comprising a control unit (39), reels, and at least one autonomous mobile platform (40). According to the invention, said facility comprises means for measuring the quantity of product wound on bobbins (22) held on the reels, and communication means, the method comprising the following successive steps: measuring the quantity of product wound on the bobbins and communicating the measured data to the control unit; according to the measured data, determining a time at which an evacuation or supply mission instruction should be transmitted to a mobile platform; transmitting a transmission or supply mission instruction from a reel to a mobile platform at the previously determined time; and moving the mobile platform so that it is positioned under a reel.