Automation Control Logic Library Management System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reusing and distributing control logic elements in automation-engineering are inefficient and lack systematic organization, leading to high costs and complexity in maintenance and setup, with limited options for accessing validated elements.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an interface device, processing device, and data memory that facilitates the transfer and processing of control logic elements between engineering tools, enabling systematic interchange and reuse through integrative connections, user management, categorization, and assessment tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control logic elements are reused through personal copy and paste methods, then individual engineers can access their own previously created elements, but systematic and organized access to validated control logic elements across the organization is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a library management system as an intermediary between individual engineers and control logic elements. This centralized repository mediates access by collecting, validating, and organizing elements from multiple sources, then providing structured access to all users. The system acts as a broker that transforms scattered personal libraries into an organized organizational asset without requiring engineers to manually share or manage each other's elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The library management system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores control logic elements, validates their correctness, categorizes them by type and application, manages version control, and provides access interfaces for different user roles. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems for storage, validation, organization, and distribution into a single unified platform.
2Reliability
If libraries are created and maintained for code element reuse, then systematic access to validated elements is provided, but the creation and maintenance of libraries becomes very elaborate and subject to high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The library management system implements automated validation mechanisms that self-check control logic elements upon insertion. The system automatically verifies syntax correctness, checks for conflicts with existing elements, validates against predefined templates and standards, and performs consistency checks. This self-service validation reduces the need for manual review processes while maintaining high reliability standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation and categorization of control logic elements before they are fully integrated into the library. Elements undergo pre-checks for basic correctness, proper formatting, and compliance with organizational standards during the insertion phase. This preliminary processing prevents invalid elements from entering the main repository and reduces subsequent maintenance burden.
3Reliability
If control logic elements are created and validated through elaborate processes, then reliability and safety are ensured, but the creation and implementation becomes comparatively elaborate and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides control logic into modular, reusable elements that can be independently created, validated, and managed. Each control logic element is segmented into discrete functional units with defined interfaces and parameters. This segmentation allows individual elements to be validated separately through automated processes, then assembled into larger control systems, reducing the complexity of end-to-end validation while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The library management system provides parameterized templates for common control logic patterns. Engineers can instantiate specific control elements by modifying parameters within predefined templates rather than creating logic from scratch. The system automatically validates parameter combinations against established rules, ensuring reliability while simplifying the creation process through parameter-driven configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for distributing and exchanging elements for planning and/or operating automation operating equipment, which include at least one interface device, at least one processing device and at least one data store, wherein the interface device effects an integrated connection to at least one engineering tool and/or an integrated link to at least one engineering tool such that functionalities of the at least one interface device and of the at least one processing device can be retrieved from the respective engineering tool and carried out. The respective processing device, the respective interface device, and the respective engineering tool, elements created and/or marked by a first engineering tool can be transferred to the respective processing device and processed and/or can be made available on the at least one data store to be retrieved and/or to be transferred to and/or implemented in at least one second engineering tool.