Rotary Actuator Control Element for Industrial Machine Parameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for industrial machines with motion drives are not sufficiently practical or intuitive for operators, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in parameter changes, especially in complex production environments like injection molding machines.
Innovation Solution
A control device featuring a touch-sensitive screen and an endlessly rotatable turntable control element, where operators select parameters by touch and adjust them through rotary movements, reducing the need for frequent gaze shifts and minimizing errors by utilizing haptic feedback for intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control elements (cursor keys, soft keys, jog dial, touchscreen) are used for parameter selection and modification, then the functionality of the control device is comprehensive, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent switching between different input methods and high operator concentration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated rotary control element. This element can operate in different modes (coarse adjustment, fine adjustment, parameter selection) depending on the operational context, eliminating the need to switch between separate cursor keys, soft keys, and jog dials. The touch-sensitive display works in conjunction with this single control element to provide visual feedback and confirm selections, thereby maintaining comprehensive functionality while dramatically improving ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If a touchscreen with virtual buttons is used for parameter control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential input errors when operating without visual contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control interface into distinct functional zones on the touch-sensitive display, with each zone corresponding to specific parameters or functions. The rotary control element is similarly segmented into different operational modes (coarse/fine adjustment, parameter selection) that are activated based on the current display state. This segmentation provides clear haptic and visual cues to the operator, reducing input errors while maintaining interface simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional control elements with discrete positions are used for parameter adjustment, then the manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming parameter changes requiring multiple discrete steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic rotary control element that can switch between coarse adjustment mode (for rapid parameter changes) and fine adjustment mode (for precise settings). The control element provides continuous rotational input rather than discrete steps, allowing operators to quickly sweep through parameter ranges and then settle into precise values. This dynamic behavior maintains manufacturing simplicity while dramatically improving parameter adjustment speed and overall productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control device (2, 2') for industrial machines having controlled movement drives for machine components. The control device (2, 2') comprises a man-machine interface (6) for manually influencing or specifying adjusting movements of at least one of the machine components, and a touch-sensitive screen (11) for displaying and changing, if necessary, control-relevant parameters by an operator. At least one control element (16) is designed as a rotary actuator control element (17) having an indefinitely rotatable actuating member (18). The rotary actuator control element (17) and the touch-sensitive screen (11) are connected by control technology to an electronic evaluation and control device (20). The evaluation and control device (20) is designed to detect a selection of a parameter by an operator by contacting a desired parameter field (21). In order to modify contents of the selected parameter field (21) or for setting a desired parameter value (22) for the selected parameter field (21), the actuating member (18) of the rotary actuator control element (17) is rotated by an operator by a corresponding rotational angle. The evaluation and control device (20) detects the extent of rotational movement and is designed to proportionally change the contents of the parameter field (21) or the parameter value (22). A corresponding control method is further disclosed.