Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
  • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
  • G05B19/00—Program-control systems
  • G05B19/02—Program-control systems electric
  • G05B19/18—Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of program data in numerical form
  • G05B19/4097—Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of program data in numerical form characterised by using design data to control NC machines, e.g. CAD/CAM
  • G05B19/4099—Surface or curve machining, making three-dimensional [3D] objects, e.g. desktop manufacturing
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
  • B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
  • B22F10/00—Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
  • B22F10/80—Data acquisition or data processing
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
  • B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
  • B22F12/00—Apparatus or devices specially adapted for additive manufacturing; Auxiliary means for additive manufacturing; Combinations of additive manufacturing apparatus or devices with other processing apparatus or devices
  • B22F12/90—Means for process control, e.g. cameras or sensors
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
  • B29C64/30—Auxiliary operations or equipment
  • B29C64/386—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
  • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
  • B33Y30/00—Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
  • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
  • B33Y50/00—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
  • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
  • G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
  • G05B2219/30—Nc systems
  • G05B2219/32—Operator till task planning
  • G05B2219/32226—Computer assisted repair, maintenance of system components
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
  • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
  • G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
  • G05B2219/30—Nc systems
  • G05B2219/49—Nc machine tool, till multiple
  • G05B2219/49019—Machine 3-D slices, to build 3-D model, stratified object manufacturing SOM
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
  • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
  • G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
  • G05B2219/30—Nc systems
  • G05B2219/49—Nc machine tool, till multiple
  • G05B2219/49034—Changing design, use same prototype, add reinforcements where needed
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
  • G06Q10/20—Administration of product repair or maintenance

Definitions

• This invention relates to a method and a system for setting up an automatic machine prototype and to a use of such a machine.
• complex automatic machines such as those for producing smoking articles, like cigarettes, for example, are designed using, to some extent, modules already used for other machines and modules constructed to the customer's specifications.
• the constructor makes a new component for the machine prototype at their own production facility and sends the component to the customer's production facility so it can be installed on the automatic machine prototype to fix the problem.
• This invention therefore has for an aim to provide a method and a system for setting up an automatic machine prototype to meet the above mentioned need.
• the aim of this invention is to provide a method and a system for setting up an automatic machine prototype.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a system according to the invention.
• the expression "situated at a geographical location different from” is used to mean that the production site 2 is located at a distance from the design site 4 greater than a certain value (preferably greater than 100 km, and still more preferably, greater than 1000 km).
• digital engineering drawing is used to mean any file containing the geometries of the new component 3B.
• the “digital engineering drawing” can be made using any graphic design or CAD software.
• defective component is used generically to denote a component of the automatic machine 1 that generates or causes non- optimal (or suboptimal) functioning of the automatic machine 1.
• the expression “defective component” is used to denote a malfunctioning component in the sense that it generates or causes nonoptimum (or suboptimum) operation of the automatic machine 1 .
• the automatic machine 1 prototype may be a machine of any kind.
• the new component 3B may be a component of any kind, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a packaging machine (in particular, for tobacco articles), more specifically, for example, a component for folding the panels of blanks, an opposing element for packets of tobacco articles, a positioning element for blanks, a support for at least one sensor.
• a packaging machine in particular, for tobacco articles
• a component for folding the panels of blanks an opposing element for packets of tobacco articles
• a positioning element for blanks a support for at least one sensor.
• the step of identifying a malfunction of at least one malfunctioning component 3A of the automatic machine 1 prototype may comprise a step of identifying a non-optimum (or suboptimum) operation of the machine, that is, operation that leads to defects, production slowdowns, scrap products, etc.
• the automatic machine 1 prototype is designed to make a product of any kind (preferably a smoking article or a part of a smoking article).
• the automatic machine 1 prototype may be a machine for packaging a product (or a group of products).
• the method comprises the following steps:
• remote computer 7 may be any computer, whether external or integrated in the 3D printer 6.
• the 3D printer 6 may be any three-dimensional printer configured to make any three-dimensional component or object by the addition of material (additive method).
• the 3D printer 6 may be configured to fuse or weld or heat the additive material defining the three-dimensional component or object.
• the 3D printer 6 is therefore provided with means for heating the additive material.
• the data receiving module 8 is a hardware and/or software module.
• the data receiving module 9 is a hardware and/or software module.
• the method comprises the step of positioning the 3D printer 6 at or in the vicinity of the production site 2.
• the preposition "at” indicates the exact position or physical location mentioned, that is to say, the production site 2.
• the 3D printer 6 is preferably located at or near the production site 2.
• the 3D printer is located in the vicinity of the production site 2, at a distance less than or equal to 150 km from the production site 2.
• the 3D printer is located in the vicinity of the production site 2, at a distance less than or equal to 100 km from the production site 2.
• this allows the new component 3B to be made directly at the production site 2, saving a considerable amount of time in setting up the machine 1 .
• the method also comprises a step of providing a sensor 9 in the automatic machine 1 prototype at the production site 2, configured to detect least one operating parameter of the automatic machine 1 prototype.
• the senor 9 may be a sensor of any kind: a sensor for detecting force, current, voltage, pressure, distance, temperature, colour, shape, etc.
• the step of identifying a malfunction of at least one malfunctioning component 3A of the automatic machine 1 prototype comprises a step of detecting the operating parameter of the automatic machine 1 (through the sensor 9) and deriving a malfunction or non-optimum (or suboptimum) operation of the automatic machine 1 prototype as a function of the operating parameter detected.
• the step of sending the programming instructions to the 3D printer 6 to print the new component 3B with the 3D printer 6 comprises a step of sending transmission data in encrypted form. It should therefore be noted that, advantageously, the printing process cannot, unless specifically authorized, be replicated by decrypting the printing instructions.
• the method comprises a step of sending programming instructions directly to the 3D printer 6 through a further computer at the production site so as to print the new component 3B with the 3D printer 6 by deposition of superposed layers of material.
• the method does not include the step of making the digital engineering drawing 11 of the new component 3B at the design site 4 and deriving, from the digital engineering drawing 11 , the programming instructions for the 3D printer.
• the programming instructions for the 3D printer are ready at the production site.
• the new component 3B is a spare part.
• an operator at the production site sends the programming instructions to the 3D printer 6, already in their possession, to print the new component 3B to replace the malfunctioning component 3A of the automatic machine 1 prototype.
• the invention defines a system 100 for setting up an automatic machine 1 prototype, comprising:
• an automatic machine 1 prototype located at a production site 2 and comprising at least one sensor 9 configured to detect an operating parameter of the automatic machine 1 prototype, usable to identify a malfunctioning component 3A;
• a remote computer 7 connected to the 3D printer 6 to drive it and comprising a data receiving module 8 configured to receive programming instructions for a 3D printer 6 to allow driving the 3D printer 6 through the programming instructions and making a new component 3B for the automatic machine 1 prototype on the 3D printer 6 by deposition of superposed layers of material.
• the new component 3B is used to replace the malfunctioning component 3A.
• the malfunctioning component 3A is the cause of non-optimum (or suboptimum) operation of the machine 1 , or leads to defects, production slowdowns, etc.
• system 100 further comprises a graphic design computer 5, provided with a data transmission module 9 configured to transmit the programming instructions to the data receiving module 8.
• the graphic design computer 5 may be a computer of any kind, a PC, a processor, etc.
• the 3D printer 6 and the remote computer 7 are located at or in the vicinity of the production site 2.
• the 3D printer and the remote computer 7 are located in the vicinity of the production site 2, at a distance less than or equal to 150 km from the production site 2.
• the 3D printer and the remote computer 7 are located in the vicinity of the production site 2, at a distance less than or equal to 100 km from the production site 2.
• the graphic design computer 5 is located at a design site 4.
• the system 100 and the method described allow greatly reducing the time needed for setting up the automatic machine 1 prototype.
• the malfunctioning component 3A that is, the one causing the sub-optimum operation
• a new component 3B made at or in the vicinity of the same production site 2 where the machine 1 is located.
• the lead time for supplying the new component 3B can be very greatly reduced since it can be made directly at or in the vicinity of the production site 2.
• the design site 4 where the new component 3B can be designed can be kept separate from the production site 2, thus facilitating the setting up of the automatic machine 1 prototype.
• the new component 3B is designed where the designers are, that is to say, at the design site 4, while it is physically made on the production site 2 (at or in the vicinity of the production site 2).
• the new component 3B is produced in the vicinity of the automatic machine 1 prototype, with considerable advantages in terms of time scale and costs.
• an automatic machine 1 prototype at a production site 2 where the automatic machine 1 prototype comprises at least one sensor 9 configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the automatic machine 1 prototype usable to identify a malfunctioning component 3A, wherein:
• an engineer through the sensor 9, identifies a non-optimum operation due to a malfunctioning component 3A;
• the engineer sends to a design site 4 a remote request to rectify the non- optimum operation in order to receive instructions for printing a new component 3B adapted to rectify the non-optimum operation; - the engineer prints the new component 3B on a 3D printer 6 by deposition of superposed layers of material;
• the engineer replaces the malfunctioning component 3A in the automatic machine 1 prototype with the new component 3B so as to rectify the non- optimum operation.
• engine is used broadly to mean operating personnel, that is to say, either a user or a maintenance technician.
• the use of the automatic machine 1 prototype may further comprise the following steps:

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Materials Engineering (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Optics & Photonics (AREA)
• Analytical Chemistry (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

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Family Applications (1)

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• 2023
  • 2023-06-27 EP EP23739681.7A patent/EP4548162A1/de active Pending
  • 2023-06-27 WO PCT/IB2023/056612 patent/WO2024003729A1/en not_active Ceased

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