Automated Component Configuration via Dual-Stage Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for configuring technical systems are time-consuming and inefficient, as they require manual searching for improved components through vast numbers of publicly available components, often necessitating functional tests and failing to optimize performance, energy consumption, or quality in a timely manner.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a two-stage search process using keyword-based and natural language processing techniques to automatically identify and derive new or alternative components, with the first search finding descriptive text records and the second search providing implementation information, enabling quick and efficient configuration of technical systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual searching for improved components is conducted through vast numbers of publicly available components, then comprehensive component selection is possible, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent selection rangeVSAvoidsearch time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical searching processes with automated computer-based information processing systems. The system automatically queries databases, retrieves component specifications, and performs comparisons without human intervention, thereby maintaining comprehensive search coverage while dramatically reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the computer to autonomously perform the entire component search and evaluation process. The automated system independently accesses databases, processes information, and generates configuration recommendations without requiring manual searching or filtering by human operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If functional testing is conducted for identified components, then component reliability is ensured, but the configuration process becomes more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent reliabilityVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and storing component specifications, performance data, and compatibility information in databases before actual configuration needs arise. This advance preparation allows for rapid retrieval and evaluation during the configuration process, ensuring reliability without time-consuming testing at the point of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical functional testing with automated information-based evaluation. The system uses stored specification data, performance metrics, and compatibility matrices to assess component reliability computationally, eliminating the need for time-consuming physical testing while maintaining assessment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sheer number of publicly described and available components is searched, then comprehensive component options are found, but the search process becomes overwhelming and difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent option availabilityVSAvoidsearch process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the overwhelming search task into distinct automated steps: querying databases with specific parameters, retrieving relevant component records, filtering based on compatibility criteria, and presenting organized results. This structured breakdown manages complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage of available components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary automated processing layer between the vast component databases and the user. This intermediary automatically manages the complexity of searching through numerous components by handling data retrieval, filtering, and organization, leaving users with simplified, pre-processed results that maintain comprehensiveness without the overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If automated search methods are used to identify components, then search efficiency is improved, but implementation and execution information may be difficult to obtain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch efficiencyVSAvoidimplementation information completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal database system that stores multiple types of information about components simultaneously: basic specifications, performance data, compatibility information, and implementation details. This multi-functional database approach ensures that automated searching not only identifies components efficiently but also retrieves complete implementation information in a single integrated process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3561665B1Method and device for the computer-assisted configuring of a technical system
Publication Date: 2022.01.26 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3561665B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3561665B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3561665B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the computer-aided configuration of a technical system. A first search method (S1) and a second search method (S2) are provided. The first search method (S1) accesses a document server. A predefined specification (SPEC) for a component of a technical system is read in, and text data records available on the document server are transmitted to the first search method (S1). The text data records are searched for a first text data record (D1) that comprises at least a part of the specification (SPEC), and the first text data record (D1) is output. Based on the first text data record (D1), a component (K) for the technical system is determined.Using the second search method (S2), a document server is accessed, whereby, depending on the first text data record (D1), a second text data record (D2), which contains implementation and/or execution information for the component (K), is determined and the second text data record (D2) is output. The first text data record (D1) and/or the second text data record (D2) and the component (K) are made available for a configuration (C) of the technical system. An advantage of the invention is the efficient identification of updated, alternative, or new software and/or hardware components for the configuration of a technical system.