Automation Device Virtual Linking External Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automation training devices lack adaptability to different training tasks and require complex cabling changes for simulating various automation systems, making them inefficient for versatile training purposes.

Innovation Solution

The automation device incorporates a working module with a processing unit for signal communication via wireless or wired paths, allowing for bidirectional signal conversion and graphic representation on a screen, enabling easy adaptation to different tasks without cabling changes, and utilizing a communication unit for signal processing and pre-processing to accommodate various external components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional automation training devices use fixed cabling connections for simulating automation systems, then system reliability is maintained, but adaptability to different training tasks deteriorates and device complexity increases due to repeated cabling changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different training tasksVSAvoidcomplexity of cabling configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cabling system with a wireless communication system. The automation device comprises a control unit with a wireless communication interface that establishes wireless connections with external components, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining reliable signal transmission for training purposes

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is designed with multi-functional capabilities to support various training tasks through software configuration rather than hardware reconfiguration. The wireless communication interface can dynamically establish different communication protocols and connection types, allowing the same device to adapt to diverse training scenarios without adding physical complexity

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

2Ease of operation

If automation training devices are designed for specific training tasks, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different training tasks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of setup and operationVSAvoidversatility for different training purposes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs dynamic configuration capabilities where the control unit can adaptively adjust communication parameters, protocols, and connection settings based on the training task requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain ease of operation through automated configuration while simultaneously supporting diverse training applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication interface acts as an intermediary layer between the control unit and external components, providing a universal communication channel that simplifies operation while enabling flexibility. This intermediary handles protocol conversion and signal processing, allowing the device to operate easily across different training scenarios without direct hardware reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2926331B1Automation device, method for virtual functional linking of external components and computer program product
Publication Date: 2018.08.22 FESTO FIDACTIC SE
  • EP2926331B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2926331B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2926331B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an automation device for training purposes, having a computer (2) which comprises a processor unit (11), a computer housing (10), a data interface (12) and a monitor (15), wherein the processor unit (11), the data interface (11) and the monitor (15) are accommodated in the computer housing (10). According to the invention at least one work module (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) is provided which comprises a module housing (17) on which a connector (18) for a electrical and/or fluid coupling to an external component (23, 24, 30) is formed and in which a processing unit (26) for processing electrical signals from the computer (2) and/or the external component (23, 24, 30) is accommodated, wherein the work module (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) is designed for arrangement at a working position adjacent to the monitor (15) and is configured for signal communication with the processor unit (11) via a wireless and/or wired signal path which extends over the data interface (12).