Remote Feedback Controller for Injection Pressure Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing injection molding systems face challenges in maintaining precise control over injection pressure, as native controllers often require costly and time-consuming modifications to adapt to changing material viscosity and mold conditions, limiting their ability to operate efficiently under varying pressures.

Innovation Solution

A remote controller is retrofitted to the native controller system, sensing and modifying feedback signals from injection and cavity pressure sensors to generate a modified feedback signal that enhances the native controller's operation, allowing for improved control of injection pressure without reprogramming the native controller's architecture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the native controller is modified to adapt to changing material viscosity and mold conditions, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and modification cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjection pressure control precisionVSAvoidcontroller modification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A remote controller is introduced as an intermediary device between the pressure sensor and the native controller. The remote controller receives feedback signals from the pressure sensor, compares the actual pressure with the target pressure, generates control signals, and transmits them to the actuation unit. This mediator approach enables precise pressure control without modifying the native controller's architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is segmented into independent functional modules: the native controller maintains its original function, while the remote controller handles pressure monitoring and adjustment. This segmentation allows the pressure control function to be added independently without complicating the native controller's design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the native controller architecture is altered to improve adaptability, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture and implementation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying pressuresVSAvoidcontroller implementation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The remote controller serves as a standalone intermediary device that interfaces between the pressure sensor and the native controller. It receives pressure feedback signals, processes them according to target pressure values, and sends control commands to the actuation unit. This approach provides full adaptability to varying pressures without requiring any modifications to the native controller's architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The remote controller creates a parallel control pathway that copies the essential feedback function from the native controller system. By implementing the pressure control logic in a separate, dedicated device, the system gains adaptability while keeping the original controller architecture intact and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If a remote controller is added to modify feedback signals, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote controller is designed as a focused intermediary device with a single dedicated function: comparing actual pressure with target pressure and generating appropriate control signals. By concentrating only the essential pressure control functions in this separate unit, the system achieves improved precision while adding minimal complexity compared to modifying the entire native controller.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3389980B1Remote controller for controlling apparatus by diverting feedback signal from native controller to the remote controller and methods for same
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 IMFLUX INC
  • EP3389980B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3389980B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A remote controller can be provided on any apparatus that employs feedback control from a native controller to add functionality to the apparatus where the native controller is not capable of providing such functionality independently.