Function configuration method and device for actuator

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a function configuration method of an actuator connected to an end mechanism for driving the end mechanism to move, the function configuration method comprising: constructing an extended function package, the extended function package comprising a physical model of the end mechanism, user configuration parameters and an extended function algorithm, the extended function algorithm being executable to realize an extended function of the actuator; receiving the extended function package by the actuator, and parsing the physical model, the user configuration parameters and the extended function algorithm in the extended function package by a runtime environment in the actuator; and calling interface information of the actuator according to the physical model and the user configuration parameters by the runtime environment, executing logic of the extended function algorithm to realize the extended function of the actuator corresponding to the extended function algorithm.

Description

Function configuration method and device of actuator Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure mainly relates to the field of industrial digitalization, and in particular to a method and device for configuring the functions of an actuator. Background Art

[0002] An actuator is a type of actuating device widely used in industries such as industrial and building applications. For example, a valve actuator drives the opening and closing of a valve (the final actuator) to regulate the flow rate of the fluid within the valve or the temperature within the valve area. The actuator is controlled by a controller (such as a PLC or DCS), which implements a flow rate or temperature control algorithm to achieve closed-loop control of the flow rate and temperature.

[0003] Actuators from different manufacturers often interface with terminal devices with significantly different characteristic parameters. This creates a parameter mismatch when adapting different manufacturers' terminal devices and actuator applications, leading to performance degradation. Furthermore, current control algorithms are embedded in the actuator's firmware, preventing users or engineers from modifying or upgrading them. This results in fixed actuator functionality and makes it unsuitable for diverse application scenarios.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present disclosure provides a method and device for configuring the functions of an actuator, which can expand the functions of the actuator to meet the needs of different application scenarios.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure proposes a method for configuring the function of an actuator, wherein the actuator is connected to an end mechanism and is used to drive the end mechanism to move. The method includes:

[0007] Constructing an extended function package, the extended function package including a physical model of the terminal mechanism, user configuration parameters, and an extended function algorithm, wherein the extended function algorithm can be executed to realize the extended function of the actuator;

[0008] The executor receives the extended function package, and parses the physical model, user configuration parameters and extended function algorithm in the extended function package by a runtime environment in the executor;

[0009] The runtime environment calls the interface information of the executor according to the physical model and the user configuration parameters, and executes the logic of the extended function algorithm to realize the extended function of the executor corresponding to the extended function algorithm.

[0010] Therefore, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for configuring the functions of an executor, in which a runtime environment is configured in the executor. The runtime environment can directly parse and execute the extended function package sent to the executor, implement the extended functions in the extended function package, thereby realizing the scalability and customization of the executor functions and expanding the application scenarios of the executor.

[0011] Optionally, the extended function is a flow control function. The runtime environment invokes the actuator's interface information based on the physical model and user-configured parameters, and executes the logic of the extended function algorithm to implement the extended function algorithm corresponding to the actuator. This includes: establishing a data model mapping flow velocity and flow rate, obtaining flow velocity values ​​detected by a flow velocity sensor, calculating flow rate values ​​based on the flow velocity values ​​and the data model, and implementing the actuator's flow control function based on the flow rate values ​​and the extended function algorithm. Therefore, data-model-based flow control eliminates the need for flow sensors, reducing system costs.

[0012] Optionally, the extended function is a flow control function. The runtime environment invokes the actuator's interface information based on the physical model and user-configured parameters, executes the logic of the extended function algorithm, and implements the extended function algorithm corresponding to the actuator's extended function. This includes configuring a flow sensor, obtaining a flow value detected by the flow sensor, and implementing the actuator's flow control function based on the flow value and the function algorithm. To this end, flow control is performed using flow data from the flow sensor, achieving what you see is what you get (WYSIWYG). This reduces computational complexity, avoids computational errors, and improves the accuracy and efficiency of flow control.

[0013] Optionally, the method includes: constructing an extended function package via a mobile device, and receiving the extended function package sent by the mobile device at the executor. Therefore, the flexibility and convenience of constructing the extended function package can be improved, thereby improving the flexibility and convenience of functional configuration of the executor.

[0014] Optionally, parsing the physical model, user-configured parameters, and functional algorithm in the function package by the runtime environment in the executor includes: determining interface information of the executor, creating a runtime environment based on the interface information, and parsing the physical model, user-configured parameters, and functional algorithm in the function package by the runtime environment. To this end, creating the runtime environment based on hardware device information allows the runtime environment to be compatible with the executor, thereby improving the efficiency of functional configuration.

[0015] Optionally, the runtime environment is a WebAssembly runtime environment. To this end, a WebAssembly runtime environment is provided.

[0016] The present disclosure also provides a function configuration device for an actuator, the function configuration device comprising:

[0017] A construction module for constructing an extended function package, wherein the extended function package includes a physical model of the terminal mechanism, user configuration parameters, and an extended function algorithm, and the extended function algorithm can be executed to realize the extended function of the actuator;

[0018] a parsing module, which receives the extended function package at the executor and parses the physical model, user configuration parameters and extended function algorithm in the extended function package through a runtime environment in the executor;

[0019] An execution module, wherein the runtime environment calls the interface information of the executor according to the physical model and the user configuration parameters, and executes the logic of the extended function algorithm to realize the extended function of the executor corresponding to the extended function algorithm.

[0020] The present disclosure also provides an electronic device, comprising a processor, a memory, and instructions stored in the memory, wherein the instructions implement the above-mentioned method when executed by the processor.

[0021] The present disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon. When the computer instructions are executed, the method described above is executed.

[0022] The present disclosure also provides a computer program product, comprising a computer program, which implements the method described above when executed by a processor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The following figures are only intended to illustrate and explain the present disclosure, and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG1 is a flow chart of a function configuration method of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a method for configuring functions of a valve actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a function configuration device of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 100 Functional configuration method of actuator 110-130 Step 10 Valve 20 Valve actuator 201 Runtime environment 202 First communication unit 203 Application controller 204 Output connection unit 205 Input connection unit 206 Motion controller 207 Storage 208 Motor driver 209 Motor 210 Transmission mechanism 30 Mobile device 31 Extended function package M Valve model 301 User configuration parameters 302 Flow control algorithm 303 Temperature control algorithm 32 Second communication unit FW Firmware M Physical model DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to have a clearer understanding of the technical features, purposes and effects of the present disclosure, specific embodiments of the present disclosure are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0031] As used in this application and the claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" are not intended to refer to the singular but may include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprises" and "include" only indicate the inclusion of the steps and elements specifically identified, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list. A method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0032] The present disclosure provides a method for configuring the functions of an actuator. FIG1 is a flow chart of a method 100 for configuring the functions of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1 , the method 100 includes:

[0033] Step 110: construct an extended function package, which includes a physical model of the end mechanism, user configuration parameters, and an extended function algorithm. The extended function algorithm can be executed to realize the extended function of the actuator.

[0034] The actuator is connected to the terminal mechanism and is used to drive the movement of the terminal mechanism. The actuator can be an industrial actuator or an HVAC actuator. Taking the valve actuator as an example, the valve actuator is connected to the valve and is used to drive the movement of the valve, that is, the degree of opening and closing of the valve. The extended function is relative to the basic function. The basic function is factory-set, such as the speed control function and position control function of the valve actuator. The extended function is not factory-set and can be implemented in a user-defined software manner. In some embodiments, an extended function package can be constructed in a mobile device (such as a mobile phone). The mobile device has good mobility and is easy for users to operate. It can improve the flexibility and convenience of building an extended function package, thereby improving the flexibility and convenience of the functional configuration of the actuator. Users can develop extended function packages directly in the development environment of the mobile device, or download extended function packages developed by other users through the application store or cloud service.

[0035] The extended function package includes the physical model of the terminal mechanism, user configuration parameters and extended function algorithms. The physical model of the terminal mechanism may include the characteristic parameters of the terminal mechanism. Taking the terminal mechanism as an example, the physical model of the valve may include valve characteristic parameters such as valve stroke length, dead zone length, flow characteristic curve parameters, minimum closing force or closing torque, etc. The user configuration parameters may be target configuration parameters input by the user, such as the target operating speed of the fluid in the valve, the target maximum output force or torque, the effective action range of the actuator, the pressure difference of the fluid in the valve, etc. The extended function algorithm is an algorithm that can be executed to realize the extended function of the actuator. For example, for the flow control function, the extended function algorithm may be a flow control PID algorithm. The extended function algorithm may also be an advanced function algorithm. For example, for the temperature control function, the actuator comes with some basic temperature control algorithms, and the extended function algorithm may provide some advanced temperature control algorithms to adapt to different temperature control scenarios and improve the flexibility of temperature control.

[0036] Step 120: The executor receives the extended function package, and the runtime environment in the executor parses the physical model, user configuration parameters, and extended function algorithm in the extended function package;

[0037] The executor can receive the constructed extended function package via a wireless connection. For example, the extended function package constructed in a mobile device can be sent to the executor via a 5G network or a Wi-Fi network. The executor is configured with a runtime environment (RTE), which can directly parse the extended function package, that is, parse out the physical model, user configuration parameters, and extended function algorithms in the extended function package, without having to deploy the extended function package according to the executor's software and hardware environment. In some embodiments, the runtime environment can be a WebAssembly runtime environment.

[0038] In some embodiments, parsing the physical model, user configuration parameters, and functional algorithms in a function package by a runtime environment in an executor includes determining the interface information of the executor, creating a runtime environment based on the interface information, and parsing the physical model, user configuration parameters, and functional algorithms in the function package by the runtime environment. The interface information of the executor may include operating system information, processor information, hardware device information, device type, device operation, etc. Based on the resource data of the runtime environment and the device information of the executor, an adaptive runtime environment can be created. To this end, creating a runtime environment based on the hardware device information allows the runtime environment to be compatible with the executor, thereby improving the efficiency of function configuration.

[0039] Step 130 : The runtime environment calls the interface information of the executor according to the physical model and the user configuration parameters, and executes the logic of the extended function algorithm to realize the extended function of the executor corresponding to the extended function algorithm.

[0040] After parsing the physical model, user-configured parameters, and functional algorithms, the runtime environment calls the actuator's interface information based on the physical model and user-configured parameters to execute the extended functional algorithm's logic. The result of this execution is a series of instructions, which are transmitted to the end mechanism through the driver's actions, thereby implementing the extended functionality of the actuator corresponding to the extended functional algorithm. To this end, the actuator is configured with a runtime environment that can directly parse and execute the extended functional package sent to the actuator, implementing the extended functions contained in the extended functional package. This allows for the scalability and customization of the actuator's functionality, expanding its application scenarios.

[0041] In some embodiments, the extended function is a flow control function. The runtime environment calls the interface information of the actuator based on the physical model and user configuration parameters, executes the logic of the extended function algorithm, and implements the extended function of the actuator corresponding to the extended function algorithm. This includes: establishing a data model of the mapping relationship between flow rate and flow rate, obtaining the flow rate value detected by the flow rate sensor, calculating the flow rate value based on the flow rate value and the data model, and implementing the flow control function of the actuator based on the flow rate value and the extended function algorithm. For example, the flow rate data and flow rate data of the valve can be collected, a data model of the mapping relationship between flow rate and flow rate can be established, the flow rate value detected by the flow rate sensor can be obtained, and the flow rate value can be calculated based on the flow rate value and the data model, thereby implementing flow control based on the data model without collecting the flow data itself. To this end, through flow control based on the data model, there is no need to install a flow sensor, which reduces system costs.

[0042] In some embodiments, the extended function is a flow control function. The runtime environment, based on the physical model and user-configured parameters, calls the actuator's interface information and executes the logic of the extended function algorithm to implement the extended function corresponding to the actuator. This includes configuring a flow sensor, obtaining the flow value detected by the flow sensor, and implementing the actuator's flow control function based on the flow value and the function algorithm. To this end, flow control is performed using flow data from the flow sensor, achieving what you see is what you get, reducing computational complexity, avoiding calculation errors, and improving the accuracy and efficiency of flow control.

[0043] An example of functional configuration of a valve actuator is provided below. FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a functional configuration method of a valve actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 2 shows a valve 10 , a valve actuator 20 and a mobile device 30 .

[0045] A valve 10 is installed in a pipeline and regulates the flow rate and volume of the fluid in the pipeline by adjusting the degree of opening and closing. A valve actuator 20 is connected to the valve 10 and is used to control the degree of opening and closing of the valve 10. The valve actuator 20 and the mobile device 30 are wirelessly connected via a first communication unit 202 and a second communication unit 32.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, mobile device 30 includes an extended function package 31 and a second communication unit 32. Extended function package 31 is configured by the user through mobile device 30 and includes a valve physical model M, user-configured parameters 301, a flow controller 302, and a temperature controller 303. Valve physical model M includes physical parameters of valve 10, representing the physical characteristics of valve 10. User-configured parameters 301 are input by the user and may include parameter target values, such as a target flow rate. Flow controller 302 includes a flow control algorithm, and temperature controller 303 includes a temperature control algorithm.

[0047] The first communication unit 202 of the actuator 30 receives the extended function package 31 from the second communication unit 32 and forwards it to the WebAssembly runtime environment 201. The runtime environment 201 parses the valve physical model M, user configuration parameters 301, flow controller 302, and temperature controller 303 in the extended function package 31. Based on the valve physical model M and user configuration parameters 301, the flow control algorithm in the flow controller 302 or the temperature control algorithm in the temperature controller 303 is executed. The execution results are sent to the application controller 203 in the form of instructions. The application controller 203 outputs the instructions to the motion controller 206, which in turn outputs the instructions to the motor driver 208. The motor driver 208 drives the motor 209 according to the instructions. The movement of the motor 209 drives the valve through the transmission mechanism 210 to open and close. During this process, the motor driver 208 feeds back the motor current to the motion controller 206, the motor 209 feeds back the motor position to the motion controller 206, and the transmission mechanism 210 feeds back the actuator position to the application controller 203. Thus, the runtime environment 201 is configured in the firmware FW of the actuator 201 , which can parse and execute the extended function package 31 , thereby extending the flow control function and the temperature control function.

[0048] Actuator 30 also includes an input connection unit 205 and an output connection unit 204. Input connection unit 205 can receive temperature signals, flow rate signals, user control signals, etc. collected by sensors, and output connection unit 204 can output feedback signals. Actuator 30 also includes a storage device 207, which can store relevant data and instructions related to actuator 30.

[0049] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for configuring the functions of an executor, wherein a runtime environment is configured in the executor. The runtime environment can directly parse and execute an extended function package sent to the executor, implement the extended functions in the extended function package, thereby achieving the extensibility and customization of the executor functions and expanding the application scenarios of the executor.

[0050] The present disclosure further provides a function configuration device for an actuator. FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a function configuration device 300 for an actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3 , the function configuration device 300 includes:

[0051] A construction module 310 constructs an extended function package, the extended function package including a physical model of the actuator, user configuration parameters, and an extended function algorithm, which can be executed to implement the extended function of the actuator;

[0052] The parsing module 320 receives the extended function package at the executor and parses the physical model, user configuration parameters and extended function algorithm in the extended function package through the runtime environment in the executor;

[0053] The execution module 330 , the runtime environment calls the interface information of the executor according to the physical model and user configuration parameters, executes the logic of the extended function algorithm, and realizes the extended function of the executor corresponding to the extended function algorithm.

[0054] The present disclosure also provides an electronic device 400. FIG4 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4 , the electronic device 400 includes a processor 410 and a memory 420. The memory 420 stores instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor 410, implement the method 100 described above.

[0055] The present disclosure further provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon. When the computer instructions are executed, the method 100 described above is executed.

[0056] The present disclosure also provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which implements the method 100 described above when the computer program is executed by a processor.

[0057] Some aspects of the methods and apparatus of the present disclosure may be performed entirely by hardware, entirely by software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or by a combination of hardware and software. The above hardware or software may be referred to as "data blocks," "modules," "engines," "units," "components," or "systems." The processor may be one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DAPDs), programmable logic devices (PLCs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or combinations thereof. In addition, various aspects of the present disclosure may be expressed as computer products located in one or more computer-readable media, the product including computer-readable program code. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, tapes, etc.), optical disks (e.g., compact disks (CDs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives, etc.).

[0058] Flowcharts are used herein to illustrate the operations performed by the methods according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the preceding operations are not necessarily performed in exact order. Instead, the various steps may be performed in reverse order or simultaneously. Furthermore, other operations may be added to these processes, or one or more operations may be removed from these processes.

[0059] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to various embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0060] The above description is only an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Any equivalent changes, modifications and combinations made by any person skilled in the art without departing from the concept and principle of the present disclosure shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0061] Nouns and pronouns referring to persons in this patent application are not limited to a specific gender.

Claims

1. A functional configuration method (100) of an actuator, the actuator being connected to an end effector and used to drive the end effector to move, characterized in that, The described function configuration method (100) includes: Construct an extended function package, which includes the physical model of the end effector, user configuration parameters, and an extended function algorithm. The extended function algorithm can be executed to implement the extended function of the actuator (110); The actuator receives the extended function package, and the physical model, user configuration parameters, and extended function algorithm in the extended function package are parsed by the runtime environment in the actuator (120); The runtime environment calls the interface information of the actuator according to the physical model and the user configuration parameters, and executes the logic of the extended function algorithm to implement the extended function of the actuator corresponding to the extended function algorithm (130).

2. The functional configuration method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extended function is a flow control function. The runtime environment calls the interface information of the actuator according to the physical model and the user configuration parameters, and executes the logic of the extended function algorithm to implement the extended function of the actuator corresponding to the extended function algorithm, including: establishing a data model for the mapping relationship between flow velocity and flow rate, obtaining the flow velocity value detected by the flow velocity sensor, calculating the flow rate value according to the flow velocity value and the data model, and implementing the flow control function of the actuator according to the flow rate value and the extended function algorithm.

3. The functional configuration method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extended function is a flow control function. The runtime environment calls the interface information of the actuator according to the physical model and the user configuration parameters, and executes the logic of the extended function algorithm to implement the extended function of the actuator corresponding to the extended function algorithm, including: configuring a flow sensor, obtaining the flow rate value detected by the flow sensor, and implementing the flow control function of the actuator according to the flow rate value and the function algorithm.

4. The functional configuration method (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that, The method (100) includes: constructing an extended function package through a mobile device, and the actuator receives the extended function package sent by the mobile device.

5. The functional configuration method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Parsing the physical model, user configuration parameters, and function algorithm in the function package by the runtime environment in the actuator includes: determining the interface information of the actuator, creating a runtime environment according to the interface information, and parsing the physical model, user configuration parameters, and function algorithm in the function package by the runtime environment.

6. The functional configuration method (100) according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The runtime environment is a WebAssembly runtime environment.

7. A functional configuration device (300) of an actuator, characterized in that, The described function configuration device (300) includes: A construction module (310) that constructs an extended function package, which includes the physical model of the end effector, user configuration parameters, and an extended function algorithm. The extended function algorithm can be executed to implement the extended function of the actuator; A parsing module (320) that, when the actuator receives the extended function package, parses the physical model, user configuration parameters, and extended function algorithm in the extended function package by the runtime environment in the actuator; An execution module (330) that the runtime environment calls the interface information of the actuator according to the physical model and the user configuration parameters, and executes the logic of the extended function algorithm to implement the extended function of the actuator corresponding to the extended function algorithm.

8. An electronic device (400), comprising a processor (410), a memory (420), and instructions stored in the memory (420), wherein when the instructions are executed by the processor (410), the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 6 is implemented.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, on which computer instructions are stored, and the computer instructions execute the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 6 when running.

10. A computer program product, characterized in that, Comprising a computer program which, when executed by a processor, implements the method (100) according to any one of claims 1-6.

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