Automated Manufacturing Control via Sequential Actuator Subperiods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for controlling automated manufacturing machines struggle to execute control programs efficiently, especially when dealing with a large number of actuators, as they require higher processing capabilities, which may not be readily available.
Innovation Solution
The operation control apparatus includes a control program storage, a control target subperiod selector, a control-detail extractor, and a controller. It divides the operation period into subperiods, selects one subperiod at a time, extracts the relevant actuator and action information, and performs feedback control to execute the control program effectively, even with ordinary processing capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the control program controls a large number of actuators simultaneously, then the automation capability is improved, but the processing capability requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control program is divided into multiple subprograms, each responsible for controlling a specific subset of actuators. The controller sequentially executes these subprograms instead of managing all actuators simultaneously, thereby reducing the processing capability required at any given moment while maintaining comprehensive automation control.
2Productivity
If the control program is executed at high speed, then the productivity is improved, but the processing capability requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control program into smaller subprograms, the controller can execute each subprogram quickly and sequentially. This approach enables high-speed execution overall while keeping the processing burden at each moment manageable, as the controller only needs to handle a limited number of actuators in each subprogram.
Solution Approach 2:
The control program is pre-divided into subprograms with clear boundaries and sequential execution order. This preliminary structuring allows the controller to efficiently manage execution flow without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thereby achieving high execution speed with ordinary processing capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If all actuators are controlled in one operation period, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control program is segmented into multiple subprograms, each managing a specific subset of actuators. This segmentation reduces the complexity of the overall control structure by breaking down the monolithic control logic into smaller, more manageable units, while still achieving precise control over all actuators through coordinated sequential execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A stored control program includes subperiods into which an operation period from a start to an end of an operation of an automated manufacturing machine is divided. Each subperiod is assigned with an actuator to act and action information about the actuator. The subperiods are sequentially selected one by one as a control target, and feedback control is performed on an action of the actuator assigned to the selected subperiod. This reduces the number of actuators controlled at the same time for controlling the operation of an automated manufacturing machine including many actuators. The control program can thus be executed promptly with an operation control apparatus having ordinary processing capability.