Food Processing Tool Identification for Error-Free Process Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Food processing machines, particularly packaging machines, face increasing complexity in adjustment procedures due to diverse tool assemblies, leading to potential errors and interruptions in operations, which elevate manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A food processing machine equipped with a controlling system that reads tool identifications from exchangeable tool parts and determines the intersection of detailed processes possible with these tools and the machine's equipment, restricting operator-selectable processes to those implementable with the installed tool parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If exchangeable tool parts are used to expand product range, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct rangeVSAvoidtool assemblies

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controlling system serves multiple functions: it reads tool identifications, determines implementable processes for each tool part, calculates intersections of processes, and restricts operator selections. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability across diverse tool assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution implements a hierarchical structure where the controlling system contains nested functional layers: identification reading, process determination, intersection calculation, and operator restriction. Each layer is embedded within the controlling system, creating a compact nested architecture that manages complexity through organized sub-functions rather than separate external systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If diverse tool assemblies are employed, then adaptability is improved, but adjustment procedure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool diversityVSAvoidadjustment procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controlling system automatically performs identification reading, process determination, and intersection calculation without operator intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously configuring the optimal operating point based on the installed tool parts, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust complex parameters and significantly simplifying the adjustment procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controlling system performs preliminary actions by pre-determining which processes are implementable with the installed tool parts and calculating the intersection of these processes before operator selection. This preliminary configuration of the optimal operating point prepares the system in advance, so operators only need to select from pre-validated options rather than configuring everything from scratch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If manual adjustment procedures are used, then operator control is maintained, but error risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator controlVSAvoidadjustment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controlling system implements feedback by reading tool identifications, determining implementable processes, and using this information to restrict operator selections to only compatible processes. This feedback loop ensures operators can maintain control while the system prevents selection of incompatible or erroneous configurations, significantly reducing error risk without eliminating operator agency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If comprehensive process options are provided, then operator flexibility is maintained, but selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator flexibilityVSAvoidprocess selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controlling system applies local quality by providing comprehensive process options only where compatible with the installed tool parts, while restricting or hiding incompatible options. This localized approach to information presentation maintains operator flexibility for valid choices while eliminating confusing or erroneous selections, reducing perceived complexity without sacrificing genuine flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12214923B2Food processing machine and method for restricting processes activatable by an operator at a food processing machine

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMULLER GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A food processing machine includes a plurality of tool parts which are exchangeable and which each comprise at least one electronic data storage in which a tool identification is stored for identifying the respective tool parts, and a controlling system for reading the tool identifications. The controlling system is configured to determine, based on the tool identification read by it from the at least one data storage of an exchangeable tool part installed at the food processing machine, processes basically implementable with this tool part which are possible for an operation of the tool part, and to determine an intersection of detailed processes by a comparison of these processes with processes basically performable by the food processing machine based on machine equipment employed for the tool part and firmly installed in the food processing machine, by which the tool part can be controlled by the machine equipment provided for it.