DE102010005376A1 - Method for manufacturing e.g. individual pieces of jewelry from item, involves automating processing of item using process steps, and automating transition of one of process steps to other process step - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves selecting an item of a product in an automatic manner, and providing (30) the item based on the selection of the item. Type of processing of the item is selected, and the item is processed (32) using number of process steps based on the type of processing of the item. The processing of the item using the process steps is automated, and transition of one of the process steps to the other process step is automated (40). The item and another item of the product are summarized (34), and the product is packed (36) in an automated manner. An independent claim is also included for a device for manufacturing individually arranged products from an item.

Description

The present invention relates to a method, an apparatus and a system for the production of individually designed products and in particular for the automated production of individually designed products.

The so-called interactive Internet "Web 2.0" is a keyword today, which stands for a number of interactive and collaborative elements of the Internet. The term Web 2.0 refers less to specific technologies or innovations, but rather stands for a changed use and perception of the Internet. The contents of the Internet are no longer just centralized by large companies and distributed via the Internet, but also users create, edit and distribute the content of websites themselves. Examples include blogs, wikis, photo and video portals.

In this Web 2.0, the problem of monetization is increasingly recognized and so direct e-commerce approaches are in demand. At the same time, customers increasingly want to co-determine their products and incorporate their own ideas and wishes into products they buy in order to stand out from the crowd.

However, individually compiled products are associated with a greater amount of personnel in order to implement the individual customer request. For example, customer-specific goods are defined on the Internet via a web application (eg: individual text on T-shirts) and then manually produced or compiled by employees. This means that manual movement of the goods from one production step to another is necessary. As a result, custom products typically produce higher costs, such as labor and fixed costs, than mass-produced products. In addition, manual production steps lead to errors in the process chain. This means that the process reliability or consistent quality suffers from manual production, for example due to transmission errors of paper BOMs.

The individual parts of these individually designed products are usually made by hand for special designs or layouts and then fed to a certain degree of automation. In order for this to pay off for the customer, the quantities are usually in a higher three-digit range. An example of this are advertising materials for traders with special advertising attachments z. B. a company logo or the like. However, this gives you a high number of identical products that can only be individualized to a certain extent. An example of this would be an imprint in the form of a company logo, but no imprint of the customer's own name, because with approximately 600 pens for Mr. Müller, this advertising material pays off.

Overall, individually designed products have so far meant a choice between high unit costs and high volumes in order to keep production costs under control.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method, a device and a system for the production of products which allow an individual design of each individual piece at consumer-friendly prices.

This object is achieved by the invention with the features of claims 1, 18 and 26.

In the present invention is a method for automated and process-safe production of z. B. on the Internet customer-defined products or goods, so-called "mass customization". In addition, the invention describes an integrated system for customer-specific definition, provision, production, delivery and billing of goods. The advantage of a largely to fully automated manufacturing process for individually designed products lies in particular in a low personnel costs. This causes a low cost per piece costs. In addition, automated products require high process reliability and therefore constant quality results. A "round-the-clock" production, which can be done by a low personnel expenditure at any time, results in a higher production speed. In addition, there is a simplified scalability, since a replacement or expansion of manufacturing units production adjustment or production increase is easily possible.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making customized products. This method includes providing at least one item of the custom product and processing the at least one item of the custom product. At least one of the method steps is automated and the transition from one method step to another is also automated. The individually designed product can consist of a single part or be assembled from several individual parts.

This one or more items are provided, for example, from a Shelf or stock automatically z. B. can be done with a gripper arm or the like and z. B. can be placed on a mounting table or a conveyor belt. Thereafter, the item or items may be processed by the gripper arm or other device.

This processing may include, for example, trimming, milling, doctoring, inking, labeling, engraving, sintering, eroding, painting or rapid prototyping of one or more of the component parts. The processing step can also be performed automatically by means of e.g. B. a gripping arm and a coloring bath are performed, in which the gripping arm can dive the item to color it.

Since the entire process of providing the one or more items on the transition to the processing of the item or parts preferably runs completely automatically, the entire process is thereby at a relatively low cost vonstatten, since, for example, incurred little or no labor costs.

For this reason, it is also possible to provide various items for an individually designed product, wherein the items can be each provided and processed without the cost must be unnecessarily driven up. In particular, if, for example, different items are side by side in a shelf or can be juxtaposed and made available from different stocks, it is easily possible to produce individually designed products.

Since the processing is automated, for example, an individual label can be mounted on a single part, without causing high costs.

According to a preferred embodiment, prior to providing the at least one item, the method additionally comprises selecting the at least one item, wherein the provision of the at least one item proceeds on the basis of the selection.

This selection can be made, for example, by an Internet customer who wishes to receive an individually designed product. For example, this Internet customer may make a selection for one or more items of various materials, shapes, sizes, dimensions, geometries, accessories, or colors.

An example in this context is custom-made jewelry. Here the customer selects z. For example, the material, the geometry, the color, the accessories and the type of jewelry, such as bracelet, earring, ring or chain. According to the invention, the material and the respective type of fastening, such as, for example, an ear plug for an earring or a closure for a bracelet, are then automatically provided and automatically processed.

The provision of the at least one item preferably takes place automatically on the basis of the selection. By providing and processing, the manufacturing cost of a custom product can be kept within reasonable limits.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises selecting one or more types of processing of the at least one item, wherein the processing of the at least one item is based on the selection. This selection may preferably be made simultaneously with the selection of the one or more items. However, it can also take place at any other time in the process, for example after the item or individual parts have been made available.

The selectable type of processing may be, for example, a custom shape given by the customer which is automatically given to the provided material, e.g. B. by cutting, milling or molding. Another example would be coloring or painting the material of the at least one item or attaching individual lettering to the item.

In addition, the product may consist of at least two individual parts and the method may additionally comprise a combination of the at least two individual parts. After the items are provided and processed, these items can be combined, which is preferably automated. For example, a piece of jewelry, which after a selection of a customer z. B. has been provided and processed from the Internet, assembled to complete the piece of jewelry.

According to a preferred embodiment, the transition from one of the method steps and the grouping of the individual parts can be automated. For example, the gripper arm used to provide and / or process the items of the product may also be used to group the items together. However, it is also possible that an additional gripping arm is used to assemble the items. By this measure, in turn, costs can be avoided by manual production processes and errors in the production processes.

In addition, the method may include packaging the customized product. In this case, the product can either consist of only one single component or be composed of several individual parts. This process step can also take place, for example, by one of the already mentioned gripping arms or by a gripper arm or device specially designed for this step, whereby the packaging can in turn be completely automated. As a result, the finished products are brought into a mold so that they can be handed over to the customer unscathed.

Preferably, the transition from one of the process steps to the packaging of the product may be automated. If these processes are at least partially automated, the production costs and the production errors can also be minimized here.

In a further embodiment, the method additionally comprises a shipping of the individually designed product, which can comprise an individual part or can be combined from several individual parts. This sending can be additionally automated. In particular, in the case of z. B. Internet customers can be sent to the respective customers individually made products based on an order on the Internet.

Preferably, the transition from one of the method steps and the sending of the individually designed product to reduce the production costs and production errors is also automated. For this purpose, for example, after sending the product is automatically created by a computer or the like, the bill and z. B. sent by e-mail or by post to the customer. However, the billing can also z. B. in advance payment before providing the at least one item.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, all transitions from one to the other step are respectively automated. The manufacturing costs and the production errors are minimized in such a way that even individual pieces can be produced at consistently high quality results at a reasonable price.

In another aspect, the present invention includes an apparatus for making custom-made products. This device comprises means for automatically transferring the individual parts of the customized product from providing the at least one item for processing the at least one item and controlling the automatic transfer means. These means may be, for example, a gripper arm or a conveyor belt that automatically delivers the item or items from being provided for processing. The controller ensures that the entire process is completely automated.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises means for automatically transferring the items from processing the at least two items to combine the items and controlling the automatic transfer means. Again, for example, a gripper arm and / or a conveyor belt in conjunction with a controller can be used to automatically guide the individual items from one step to another.

Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise means for automatically transferring the customized product from processing the product to packaging the product, and controlling the automatic transfer means, especially if the product consists of a single item only. Here, for example, a gripper arm or a conveyor belt can be used to automatically guide the one-piece, individually designed product directly from the processing to the packaging.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises means for automatically transferring the individually designed product from the combination of the at least two individual parts for packaging the at least two individual parts and a control of the means for automatic transition. Again, a conveyor belt or a gripper arm can be used again, wherein the controller controls the process so that it runs automatically.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises means for automatically transferring the customized product from packaging the product to shipping the product and controlling the automatic transfer means. Again, a gripper arm or a conveyor belt can be used again, wherein the controller also controls the process here so that it runs automatically.

According to one embodiment, in the device at least two of the means are realized in one element. In this case, for example, a gripper arm or a conveyor belt is used to convey the items from the providing to the processing, and then, after processing, to further consolidate the items. This gripper arm or conveyor belt can then be used in addition to that summarized individually designed product after summarizing further to packing and / or forwarding to forwarding.

Preferably, in the device all means are realized in one element. This means, for example, that one and the same gripper arm or conveyor belt is used to convey the individual parts from their provision via the processing of the individual parts to combine the individual parts up to the packaging and dispatch of the individually designed product.

According to one embodiment, at least two of the controls in a control are realized in the device. Preferably, all controls in a control are realized. Here, for example, a computer is used to control the means or resources for the respective transition in such a way that all transitions are automatic.

In addition, the control element may additionally include an accounting of the individually designed product. The invoice is automatically created either before, during or after production and shipping of the individually designed product, sent to the customer and additionally the cash receipt can be monitored.

In a further aspect, the present invention comprises a system for producing customized products, comprising means for providing the at least one item of the customized product and controlling the means for providing, the controller controlling the means to be fully automated ,

In addition, the system comprises means for processing the at least one item and a controller of the means for processing, wherein the controller controls the means so that they run completely automated.

In addition, the system includes one of the devices described above, e.g. With means for automatically transferring the customized product from providing the at least one item for processing the at least one item and controlling the automatic transfer means. The controllers control the process such that the entire process can be fully automated from provisioning to processing, without manual production operations.

According to one embodiment, the system additionally comprises means for combining the at least two individual parts of the product and a control of the means for summarizing. In addition, the system can additionally one of the devices described above, for. B. with means for automatically transferring the items from the processing of the items to summarize the items and a control of these means, if the product comprises at least two items. Alternatively, if the product comprises at least one item, the system may pass on the product directly without pooling the items to package the product. In this case as well, the controllers control the funds in such a way that these funds work completely automatically.

According to another embodiment, the system additionally comprises means for packaging the customized product and control of the means for packaging. In addition, the system includes one of the devices described above, e.g. B. with means for automatically transferring the product from combining the at least two items for packaging the product and a control of the means for automatic transition. The controllers control the funds in such a way that they work completely automatically.

In another embodiment, the system includes means for sending the customized product and control of the means for shipping. Moreover, the system comprises one of the above-described devices with means for automatically transferring the product from packaging the product to shipping the product and controlling the automatic transfer means. Again, the controls control the funds so that they work completely automated.

In addition, at least two of the means in one element can be realized in the system, preferably all means in one element are realized. This allows the entire system to realize at least two of the controls in a control, ideally, all controls in a control are realized. For example, this control can be a computer that controls the entire process. Additionally, this control may also take control of billing the custom product.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Hzeigt:

1 a flow chart of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

1 shows a schematic representation of the method of the present invention. One Internet customer defined via the web browser of the computer 1 individually designed products, such as individual pieces of jewelery, accessories or giveaways. Here, the customer can set various parameters. Examples are types of material, such as leather, wood, metal, plastics or the geometry of the product, which is freely selectable on a large scale. In addition, the color, the accessories or the like and, for example, an individual lettering or a logo can be set, which is engraved or milled into the product.

After placing the order in the web server 10 , an automation network of web applications, tested and with prepayment billing 12 is done, the orders are sent to a control panel 20 forwarded, which is a business management system such. B. may include an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and / or merchandise management system with integrated product planning system (PPS). In addition, the system control 20 Databases and industrial control devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLC) include. From the Control Panel 20 out the production is planned and over an interface 25 , for example, an OPC interface controlled.

First of all, the individual parts are made according to the customer's request in one step 30 provided. This can be done for example with a robot element, such as a tripod, portal gripper, pneumatic element, vacuum gripper or vacuum suction, the items automatically from a supply 50 for example, takes from a high-bay warehouse and places on a conveyor belt or a mounting table.

This conveyor belt brings the individual parts in one processing step 40 automatically to another step 32 in which the items are processed. Alternatively, the processing step 32 Also easily done on the assembly table, which also here no manual intervention in the production process is necessary. The processing can be carried out by various production methods such as dyeing, brushing, cutting, milling, engraving, pricking, sintering, eroding or by rapid prototyping process in various production steps.

After the basic production, further production steps can be carried out for post-processing, such as washing, deburring, finishing, hardening, varnishing. These production steps can be done by manufacturing units 52 such as laser, milling, rapid prototyping, belts, compressed air nozzles or gripping arms are performed.

When the individual parts are processed, they become one step 42 automatically to the next production step 34 fed. In this production step 34 the items are put together. For example, the individual pieces of jewelry can be provided with a closure or the advertising materials are assembled.

In a further possible embodiment, it is also possible the production step of the summary 34 leave out and the product directly in one step 44 to the packaging step 36 to transport. In addition, if necessary, at this point again a processing step can be inserted, for example, to glue or paint the assembled product again. These additional processing steps are preferably carried out automatically.

For example, when the customized product is completed, it automatically becomes a step in the transportation 46 transported to the assembly table and there in the process step 36 packed up. Alternatively, the finished workpiece with a conveyor belt for packaging automatically 36 brought and automatically labeled. One possibility is the packaging step 36 to be done by the above-mentioned robotics. The address data is provided by the business management system in the system control, automatically printed and affixed.

Once the customized product has been packaged and labeled, it will automatically ship to you 38 in a transport step 48 supplied and shipped to the customer. In the case that the goods are not calculated in advance, but for example by invoice, credit card, direct debit or Paypal, can at this time of the business management system 12 an invoice is sent to the customer or the corresponding amount is debited from the card or the corresponding account and the receipt of payment is monitored.

The presented method represents an embodiment of the present invention and can be easily expanded to further process steps, such as mixing processes of ingredients of food or other processing steps.

Since as many as possible of the process steps and the transitions between them, preferably all process steps are automated, results in this method or in such a system or such a system low personnel costs and therefore a cost advantage and low unit costs, process reliability, scalability, "Around the clock" production, consistent quality results and higher production speed.

Claims (14)

A method of making one or more custom products from at least one item comprising: • providing ( 30 ) of the at least one item; and • processing ( 32 ) of the at least one item, wherein at least one of the method steps ( 30 . 32 ) is automated and a transition ( 40 ) is automated from one process step to another. The method of claim 1, wherein the method additionally comprises: selecting the at least one item, wherein providing the at least one item ( 30 ) is made on the basis of the selection, wherein the selection can also be made automatically and / or • selecting at least one processing type of the at least one item, wherein the processing of the at least one item is based on the selection of the processing. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the product comprises at least two individual parts and the method additionally comprises: • combining ( 34 ) of the at least two individual parts, the summarizing ( 34 ) can also be automated; and / or • the transition ( 42 . 44 ) of one of the method steps ( 30 . 32 ) to summarize ( 34 ) which is automated at least two items. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: 36 ) of the product, whereby the packaging ( 36 ) can also be automated; and / or • a transition ( 46 ) of one of the method steps ( 34 ) for packaging ( 36 ) of the product is automated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: • sending ( 38 ) of the product, whereby the sending ( 38 ) can also be automated; and / or • a transition ( 48 ) of one of the method steps and the sending ( 38 ) of the product is automated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: billing ( 12 ) of the product, whereby billing ( 12 ) can also be automated; and / or • a transition from one of the procedural steps ( 30 . 38 ) for billing ( 12 ) of the product is automated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: debiting the amount of money for the product, the debiting also being automated; and / or • a transition from one of the procedural steps ( 30 . 38 ) to debit the amount of money for the product. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: • carrying out business management processes, wherein the execution of business management processes can also be automated; and / or • a transition from one of the procedural steps ( 30 . 38 ) is automated to perform business processes. An apparatus for producing customized products from at least one item, comprising: • automatic transfer means ( 40 ) of the at least one item from providing ( 30 ) of the at least one item for processing ( 32 ) of the at least one item; and a control of the means for automatic transition ( 40 ) Apparatus according to claim 9, comprising: • means ( 42 . 44 . 46 . 48 ) to carry out at least one of the Verfahrungsschritte of claims 1 to 8; and • a controller containing these means ( 42 . 44 . 46 . 48 ) controls. A system for producing customized products from at least one item, comprising: • means for providing ( 30 ) of the at least one item; A control of the means for providing, wherein the controller controls the means so that they run completely automated; • means for processing ( 32 ) of the at least one item; A controller of the means for processing, wherein the controller controls the means so that they run completely automated; A device according to any one of claims 9 or 10, and wherein the controls control the process such that the entire process is completely automated. The system of claim 11, wherein the product comprises at least two parts, the system comprising: • means for summarizing ( 34 ) of at least two items; • a control of the means for summarizing; and at least one device according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the controller controls the means such that these means operate fully automatically. System according to one of claims 11 or 12, comprising: • means for packaging ( 36 ) of the product; A control of the means for packaging; At least one device according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the controller controls the means such that these means operate completely automatically. A system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising: • means for sending ( 38 ) of the product; • a control of the means of sending; A device according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the controller controls the means such that this means operates fully automatically.

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