Runtime-Calibratable Analog Computing System for Zero-Downtime Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Physical analog computers in production environments require frequent calibration due to temperature changes and aging, leading to interruptions in system operations as they need to be disconnected from production inputs for calibration, causing downtime which is detrimental in critical applications like power plants and refineries.

Innovation Solution

A runtime-calibratable analog-computing system using at least two analog computers, where one is always in service while the other is calibrating, with a smooth handoff of system state information to avoid interruptions, allowing continuous operation and minimizing transients.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If analog computers use less expensive components, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but calibration frequency increases due to temperature changes and aging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidcalibration stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple independent analog computer modules (first analog computer, second analog computer) that can operate independently. This segmentation allows one module to be calibrated while others continue production operations, resolving the contradiction between using cheaper components and maintaining calibration stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calibration of backup analog computer modules before they are needed. The second analog computer is pre-calibrated and stands by to take over when the first analog computer requires calibration, eliminating production interruptions despite increased calibration frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If analog computers are taken out of service for recalibration, then calibration accuracy is improved, but system downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidsystem downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple independent analog computer modules that can operate independently. This segmentation allows one module to be calibrated while others continue production operations, resolving the contradiction between calibration accuracy and system downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures continuous production operation by having multiple analog computer modules that can take turns being calibrated. While one module undergoes calibration, another module maintains production computations, ensuring the useful action continues without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If multiple analog computers are used for runtime calibration, then continuous operation is maintained, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple independent analog computer modules with standardized interfaces. This segmentation enables continuous operation through redundancy while managing complexity through modular design and clear division of functions between modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If analog computers are recalibrated frequently, then measurement precision is maintained, but production interruptions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputation accuracyVSAvoidproduction continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calibration of backup analog computer modules before they are needed in production. The second analog computer is pre-calibrated and stands by to take over when the first analog computer requires calibration, maintaining both precision and continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11017184B2Runtime-calibratable analog computing system and methods of use

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

The inventive disclosures described herein generally pertain to an improved runtime-calibratable analog-computing system. In many embodiments, the improved analog-computing system comprises at least two analog computers, wherein after initial calibration, the system is designed to stagger the runtime calibration modes of each of the at least two analog-computers such that at least one of the analog computers is always in service, thus preventing any downtime for the overall system. In other words, a system user sees one initial calibration, and computing by the overall system is never interrupted.