Textile Machine Configuration Using ML for Consistent Production Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current textile production methods face challenges in achieving consistent quality due to varying factors like hardware wear, indoor climate, and fiber blends, leading to inefficient manual configuration and significant waste production.

Innovation Solution

A computer-aided method for adapting textile machine configurations using machine learning to optimize settings through iterative production experiments, allowing for automated adjustment of settings based on detected impacts to achieve optimal production specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration determination is used, then operator experience can guide settings, but the process is time-consuming and optimization degree varies heavily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration determinationVSAvoidtime-consuming
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-configuration by automatically determining optimal settings through production experiments. The machine learns and adjusts its own parameters based on sensor feedback and machine learning algorithms, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and significantly reducing configuration time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual operator judgment with automated sensor-based detection and machine learning systems. Physical measurement devices and computational algorithms substitute for human experience, enabling consistent and rapid configuration determination without relying on operator expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If configurations are determined manually, then some optimization can be achieved, but consistency cannot be maintained across different production runs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction quality consistencyVSAvoidmanual configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors production parameters using sensors and feeds this data back to the control system. Based on this feedback, the machine learning algorithms automatically adjust configurations to maintain consistent production quality across different runs, eliminating variability introduced by manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts production parameters based on real-time sensor data and learned patterns. By automatically modifying configuration parameters according to actual production conditions, the system maintains consistent quality outcomes despite variations in raw materials or environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If off-site tests are conducted to find configuration, then configuration can be determined, but significant waste is produced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidwaste production
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of conducting extensive off-site tests that produce significant waste, the system performs minimal on-line production experiments using small amounts of material. The machine learning approach requires only partial testing to learn optimal configurations, dramatically reducing waste while maintaining configuration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses sensor systems and simulation models as intermediaries between configuration determination and actual production. These intermediaries allow the system to test and optimize settings virtually or with minimal physical material, reducing the need for wasteful trial-and-error physical testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If a single configuration is used for different production runs, then setup is simplified, but production quality varies due to hardware wear, climate, and fiber blends

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration managementVSAvoidproduction quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static, fixed configurations to dynamic, adaptive configurations. Machine learning models continuously learn from production data and automatically adjust settings in real-time based on detected conditions such as hardware wear, climate variations, and material differences, maintaining quality without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent automatically modifies configuration parameters based on detected production conditions. By continuously adapting parameters such as temperature, speed, and tension according to real-time sensor feedback, the system maintains consistent quality outcomes despite variations in equipment state or environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4383024A1Method for computer-assisted adjustment of a configuration for different textile productions
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 SAURER SPINNING SOLUTIONS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4383024A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4383024A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4383024A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for computer-aided adaptation of a configuration for different textile productions (210), in which a production specification (230) is varied for the different productions (210), and in which, in at least one production step (220) based on the production specification (230), a textile material (2) is processed by at least one machine (10), comprising the following steps for automated production preparation and production initiation of the respective textile production (210) with the varied production specification (230): - Initiating (101) the execution of at least one or more production experiments (215), wherein in the respective production experiment (215) the at least one production step (220) is configured with a setting (240) and carried out based on the production specification (230),- Determining (102) an effect (250) of the configuration based on the setting (240) in the respective production experiment (215), - Adjusting (103) the setting (240) based on the determined effect (250) in order to determine a setting (240) optimized for the production requirement (230), - Initiating (104) an execution of the textile production (210) in which the at least one production step (220) is configured with the optimized setting (240) and carried out based on the production requirement (230), wherein at least one machine learning method (300) is used to perform the adjustment (103) based on the determined effect (250), wherein preferably the at least one machine learning method (300) is implemented as at least one kernel method (300).