Wireless Loin Puller Control via Portable Web Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated loin puller systems in meat processing face challenges due to remote control setups, leading to time delays and inefficiencies in making adjustments, which can result in costly deviations from ideal cuts and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A portable web-enabled digital device with wireless communication capability allows authorized personnel to make specific adjustments to loin puller settings directly at the machine, minimizing the need for physical movement to a remote control room and enabling real-time control of multiple machines from a single location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control equipment is placed in a remote protected office, then the PLC system is protected from harsh environmental conditions, but time delays occur when operators need to make adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication capability to add a new dimension of interaction. Operators use portable devices with web browsers to access and control PLC systems wirelessly from any location on the plant floor, eliminating the physical constraint of needing to be in a remote office while maintaining system protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary layer between operators and PLC systems. This intermediary uses standard web protocols and wireless networks to transmit control commands and data, allowing operators to interact with protected PLC systems without physically accessing them in harsh environments.
2Ease of operation
If operators physically move to remote control room to make adjustments, then full monitoring and control functions are available, but productivity decreases due to time lost in movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables operators to independently access and control PLC systems from any location using portable devices with web browsers. This self-service capability eliminates the need to travel to remote control rooms, allowing operators to make adjustments immediately at the point of need while maintaining full access to monitoring and control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the PLC control system universally accessible through standard web browsers on various portable devices. This multi-functionality approach allows any device with a web browser to serve as a control interface, eliminating the need for specialized control room equipment and enabling flexible access from anywhere in the plant.
3Reliability
If adjustments are made with time delays, then system protection is maintained, but costly deviations from ideal cuts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor cutting operations and immediately communicate with PLC systems through wireless networks. This allows for immediate detection and correction of deviations from ideal cuts, maintaining manufacturing precision while the PLC system remains protected in remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables operators to make preliminary adjustments to cutting parameters before deviations occur by providing real-time access to PLC control functions. Operators can proactively optimize cutting parameters based on current operating conditions, preventing costly deviations rather than reacting to them after they occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for adjusting operation of a meat processing machine on the floor of a meat processing plant which is controlled by a PLC away from the machine. An operator at the meat processing machine is provided a digital display of pre-selected operating parameters related to the meat processing machine. The operator can adjust one or more of the pre-selected operation parameters on the display. The adjustments are communicated to the PLC, allowing real-time control of a remotely positioned PLC to minimize need of operator to have to physically walk between machine and the PLC in a remote room. In one form, the communications are via IP protocol between a web-server at the PLC and the portable digital display on a web-enabled tablet computer.