Automation Device Connection Objects Manage Data Flows
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of programming and testing data and signal flows between automation software modules in industrial automation systems is high, leading to increased engineering costs and difficulties in ensuring complete interconnections and selective commissioning of measuring points.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating an automation device that uses connection objects to define and manage connections between functional units, enabling automatic creation and execution of automation solutions by processing connection rules and code execution, with a runtime system managing program and connection lists to ensure correct data flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If interconnections between automation software modules are programmed individually using traditional programming tools, then the automation solution can be created according to IEC 61131-3 standards, but the programming complexity and testing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces connection objects as intermediary elements that automatically manage data and signal flows between functional units. These connection objects serve as mediators that handle the complex interconnection logic, freeing programmers from manually programming each connection while ensuring proper data flow management according to IEC 61131-3 standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection objects automatically perform their own configuration and management of data flows between functional units. The system self-services by automatically handling connection establishment, data flow routing, and interconnection validation without requiring extensive manual programming intervention, thereby reducing programming complexity while maintaining standard compliance.
2Reliability
If traditional programming methods are used to establish data flows between functional units, then the automation program can be implemented, but the need for extensive testing and validation of interconnections increases engineering costs
Solution Approach 1:
The connection objects incorporate feedback mechanisms that automatically validate and verify data flows between functional units. The system provides runtime feedback to ensure connections are properly established and functioning, enabling automatic validation of interconnection completeness without requiring extensive manual testing, thus improving reliability while maintaining engineering efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If measuring points are commissioned selectively in traditional systems, then individual components can be tested, but the relationships to neighboring measuring points and basic functions must be manually controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The connection objects automatically manage the commissioning process by self-configuring data flows when measuring points are activated. When a measuring point is commissioned, the connection objects automatically establish and validate the necessary connections to neighboring measuring points and basic functions, eliminating the need for manual control of relationships and simplifying the commissioning process.
4Device complexity
If connection objects are introduced to manage data flows automatically, then programming complexity is reduced, but the runtime system must process additional connection rules and lists
Solution Approach 1:
The connection objects have their rules and configurations pre-established during the programming phase. The connection rules, program lists, and connection lists are prepared in advance and stored for automatic execution at runtime. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden during runtime by having the heavy lifting of connection management already configured, thus reducing programming complexity while keeping runtime requirements manageable.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a method for operating a programming device (20) and an automation device (14-18), wherein connections (42) between functional units (40) of an automation solution (36) are established on the basis of predefined connection object types (46), and an automation device (14-18) with a runtime system (34) that processes program and connection lists (50, 52) created on the basis of the established connections (42).