Industrial Automation Parameter Set Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial automation devices, such as variable frequency drives (VFDs), require numerous operational parameters to be programmed before startup, which can be time-consuming for users to identify and set, especially since only a subset of parameters need to be changed from factory default settings.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for presenting parameter sets to users, involving a non-transitory computer-readable medium with executable program instructions that direct a computing device to display programmable operating parameters for industrial control devices, allowing users to select and modify parameter subsets specific to their application, reducing the complexity and time required for system startup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If all operational parameters are presented to users for configuration, then complete system customization is achieved, but user time and effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem customizationVSAvoidparameter configuration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complete parameter set into multiple predefined parameter sets (e.g., parameter set 1, parameter set 2, parameter set 3), each optimized for different operational modes or applications. Users can select from these segmented sets rather than configuring all parameters individually, reducing configuration time while maintaining customization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple parameter sets with default values and settings before user interaction. These pre-configured sets contain commonly needed parameter combinations, allowing users to start with a ready-made configuration and only modify specific parameters when necessary, significantly reducing initial setup time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If parameter subsets are pre-configured for quick startup, then system initialization time is reduced, but flexibility to customize all parameters is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem initialization speedVSAvoidparameter customization flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic parameter configuration system where the interface adapts based on user needs. After selecting a pre-configured parameter set, users can dynamically access and modify any parameter that was previously hidden or defaulted. The system allows switching between different parameter sets and enables on-demand access to complete parameter lists, providing both quick startup and full customization flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a nested structure where multiple parameter sets are organized hierarchically. Users can select from outer-level parameter sets (providing quick configuration), and then access inner-level detailed parameters for customization. This nested organization allows users to work at different levels of detail depending on their needs, combining the benefits of pre-configured subsets with full customization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS10860183B2Systems, methods, and software for presenting parameter set(s) for industrial automation devices
Publication Date: 2020.12.08 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION ASIA PACIFIC BUSINESS CTR PTE
  • US10860183B2 patent drawing
  • US10860183B2 patent drawing
  • US10860183B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, devices, methods, and software for presenting predefined subset of parameters for an industrial control device are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a method comprises displaying a plurality of industrial application options, wherein each industrial application option of the industrial application options corresponds to a respective type of industrial application for which an industrial control device may be purposed. The method further comprises receiving a selection of one of the plurality of industrial application options. In response to receipt of the selected industrial application option, the method comprises identifying a distinct set of programmable operating parameters corresponding to the selected industrial application option from a plurality of distinct sets of programmable operating parameters, wherein each distinct set of programmable operating parameters of the distinct sets of programmable operating parameters corresponds to a different one of the plurality of industrial automation application options respectively.