Industrial Treatment Line Parameter Switching by Item Property

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing industrial treatment lines assume uniformity among processed items, leading to inefficient resource use and potential quality issues due to fixed settings that do not account for item variations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that dynamically adjust processing module settings based on item-specific measurements, using sensors to identify item properties and associate them with optimal parameter settings for energy and resource efficiency while maintaining treatment quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If processing modules operate with fixed working parameters to handle large numbers of parts efficiently, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to account for item variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethroughput of industrial treatment lineVSAvoidtreatment quality consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of working parameters by measuring item-specific properties (such as size, shape, or condition parameters) and automatically modifying processing module settings in real-time. This allows the system to transition from static fixed parameters to dynamic adaptive parameters, maintaining high productivity while ensuring each item receives precisely tailored treatment parameters optimal for its specific characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes physical or chemical parameters of the processing modules based on measured item properties. By defining relationships between item characteristics and optimal processing parameters (such as temperature, pressure, chemical concentration, or treatment duration), the system automatically adjusts working parameters to match each item's requirements, thereby maintaining both high throughput and consistent treatment quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If processing modules use working parameters set above average values to ensure thorough treatment of all items, then manufacturing precision is improved, but use of energy and resources worsens due to unnecessary over-treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment adequacyVSAvoidenergy consumption of processing modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring processing parameters to the specific characteristics of each individual item or batch of items. Instead of applying uniform over-treatment to all items, the system measures relevant properties (such as item size, material composition, or condition) and applies only the necessary treatment intensity required for each item's specific needs. This eliminates energy waste on items that require less treatment while ensuring adequate treatment for items that need more.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from excessive action (applying above-average treatment parameters to all items) to partial action (applying only the necessary treatment level to each item based on its specific requirements). By measuring item properties and adjusting parameters accordingly, the system applies the minimum necessary treatment energy and resources to achieve the desired quality outcome for each item, avoiding unnecessary over-treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If processing modules use working parameters set above average values to prevent under-treatment, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance worsens due to excessive use of cleaning agents and chemicals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of treatment qualityVSAvoidconsumption of cleaning agents and chemicals
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes chemical and physical parameters (such as cleaning agent concentration, temperature, pressure, or treatment duration) based on measured item properties. By establishing relationships between item characteristics and optimal processing parameters, the system automatically adjusts working parameters to achieve consistent treatment quality while minimizing chemical consumption. This ensures reliable treatment outcomes without the excessive chemical use associated with above-average fixed parameter settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If processing modules are configured with fixed working parameters for standardized processing, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability worsens due to inability to respond to item variations and changing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of processing module operationVSAvoidresponse to item-specific variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling processing modules to automatically measure item properties and adjust their own working parameters without human intervention. The system autonomously determines the optimal treatment parameters based on measured item characteristics and automatically modifies its operation accordingly. This maintains ease of operation (no complex manual programming required) while achieving high adaptability to item variations through automated real-time parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where measurements of item properties (such as size, shape, or condition) are continuously monitored and used to automatically adjust working parameters. This closed-loop control ensures the processing modules adapt to item variations in real-time while maintaining simple operation. The feedback from sensors triggers automatic parameter modifications, providing both ease of operation and high adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3783450B1Method for applying an optimized processing treatment to items in an industrial treatment line and associated system
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP3783450B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3783450B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3783450B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and associated system for applying an optimized processing treatment to items in an industrial treatment line are described. First, settings for a value of a working parameter in the treatment line are defined. The settings are associated with value ranges of a parameter representative of an external property of items. Then, a value of the parameter representative of the external property of the item is measured. A setting for the value of the working parameter associated with a value range from the set of value ranges comprising the measured value is compared to the current setting of the working parameter. When a difference is detected between the associated setting and the current setting, the current setting is changed to the associated setting.