Virtual Model Generation for Roll-to-Roll Control Programs

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Solution Overview

Problem

In roll-to-roll transfer systems, the need to create a new control program for each system configuration is inefficient, as the number and arrangement of units vary depending on application and production conditions, requiring manual generation for each setup.

Innovation Solution

A model generation system that allows for the creation of a virtual model combining various units, enabling the automated generation of control programs by selecting unit configurations and control modes, thereby streamlining the process of generating control programs for different system configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a new control program is created for each roll-to-roll transfer system configuration, then the control program can be tailored to specific application and production conditions, but the time and effort required to create control programs increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different unit configurationsVSAvoidtime to create control program
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual model that copies and represents the physical roll-to-roll transfer system configuration. This virtual model can be replicated and modified to represent different system configurations without physically rebuilding or reprogramming from scratch. The virtual model serves as a template that can be copied and adapted for various applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual model is designed to be universal and applicable to multiple different roll-to-roll transfer system configurations. By creating a single versatile virtual model framework that can represent various unit types and arrangements, the system eliminates the need to create entirely new control programs for each configuration, thereby reducing development time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number and arrangement of units are varied to meet different production conditions, then the system can be optimized for specific applications, but the complexity of configuring and setting up the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in unit configurationVSAvoidcomplexity of system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual model provides a simplified digital representation of the physical system, allowing complex configurations to be modeled and tested virtually before physical implementation. This copying approach reduces the complexity of actual system setup by allowing configuration work to be done in the virtual environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual model allows for preliminary configuration, testing, and optimization of unit arrangements before the actual physical system is assembled or reconfigured. By performing configuration work in advance in the virtual environment, the actual setup process becomes simpler and more efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3859460B1Model generation system
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD
  • EP3859460B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3859460B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3859460B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A model generation system that generates a model for a control program is provided. A model generation system (100) that generates a model for a control program of a roll-to-roll transfer system, the model generation system (100) includes a monitor control unit (104) that displays, on a monitor (102), an operation setting area (120) for switching on or off each of a plurality of units constituting the roll-to-roll transfer system, a control mode selection area (124) for selecting a control mode for the unit that is turned on, and a setting value input area (130A, 130B) for inputting a setting value according to the selected control mode; and a model generation unit (108) that generates the model for a control program, the model satisfying the unit turned on in the operation setting area (120), the control mode selected in the control mode selection area (124), and the setting value input in the setting value input area (130A, 130B).