Automation Configuration Analysis for Faster Parameter Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of configuring and parameterizing automation systems, especially when multiple network protocols and components are involved, leads to time-consuming and labor-intensive processes, resulting in delayed implementation of changes.

Innovation Solution

A configuration device with a user interface and network interface that automatically analyzes the actual automation system, segments the configuration for parallel analysis, and automatically converts and loads data, enabling immediate effect of changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If configuration and parameterization data are manually processed and loaded onto automation components, then the process can be completed with simple tools, but the waiting time and implementation delay increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaiting timeVSAvoidautomatic recognition and triggering
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically recognizing access to the target configuration and triggering analysis before the user explicitly requests it. The configuration device monitors for access events and proactively initiates the analysis and compilation process, eliminating the need for users to wait and manually start each step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration device serves itself by automatically detecting when configuration data is accessed and autonomously initiating the analysis and compilation processes. The system self-manages the workflow without requiring external user intervention, reducing waiting time and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If configuration changes are made manually step-by-step, then the process is easier to control, but the productivity and speed of implementation decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoidmanual control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by automatically monitoring access events to the target configuration and using this information to trigger subsequent analysis and compilation processes. This automated feedback loop enables faster configuration implementation while maintaining control through event-driven architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration process is segmented into distinct automated stages: access detection, analysis triggering, data compilation, and loading. Each segment is automatically executed in sequence based on the previous stage's completion, improving overall productivity while maintaining systematic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the configuration device waits for user initiation of each process step, then the user has full control, but the overall process time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess complexityVSAvoidprocess time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple process steps (access detection, analysis triggering, data compilation, and loading) into an integrated automated workflow. By combining these previously separate manual steps into a unified automated process, the system reduces both process time and perceived complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3268822B1Projecting device and method for configuring and/or parameterising automation components of an automation system
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3268822B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3268822B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a projecting device (70) and a method for the configuring and/or parameterising of automation components (10, 20, 30) of an automation system (100). The projecting device (70) according to the invention has a user interface and a network interface, via which same can be connected to a network (50) of an actual automation system (100). The projecting device is suitable for creating a desired configuration and/or desired parameterisation for an automation system, and for analysing a connected actual automation system in relation to the actual configuration and/or actual parameterisation thereof. According to the invention, the projecting device is designed for the automatic detection of accesses to the desired configuration and/or the desired parameterisation based on pre-definable access types, and for the automatic activation and implementation of the analysis in response to a detected access and/or in response to a signal, which is a pre-definable regularly recurring signal.