Industrial Automation Control Parameter Tuning From Performance Graphs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Determining optimal control parameters for industrial automation devices is challenging, especially during commissioning, requiring detailed knowledge and experience, and existing methods lack efficiency and accuracy in automating this process.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and apparatus that obtain graphical representations of performance metrics, determine a target operating point, and calculate control parameters based on reference values, operating limits, and operational information, using a terminal device and industrial automation device in conjunction, enabling automated determination of optimal control settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual tuning of control parameters is performed by experts, then accuracy of parameter determination is improved, but time consumption and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of control parameter determinationVSAvoidtime consumption for parameter tuning

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the industrial automation device to automatically determine its own optimal control parameters through the graphical interface and automated calculation methods, eliminating the need for external expert intervention while maintaining high accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical expert tuning process with an automated computational system that uses graphical representations and algorithms to calculate optimal parameters, substituting human expertise with automated intelligence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If detailed knowledge and experience are required for parameter tuning, then accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of control parameter determinationVSAvoidease of parameter tuning

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The graphical interface acts as an intermediary that translates complex technical parameters into visual representations, allowing users without expert knowledge to interact with and determine control parameters through intuitive graphical manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system substitutes the need for human expertise with an automated computational method that processes graphical data and calculates optimal parameters algorithmically, making the process accessible to operators without specialized knowledge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated methods are used to determine control parameters, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of parameter determinationVSAvoidaccuracy of control parameter determination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the graphical representations provide visual confirmation and validation of the calculated parameters, allowing automated determination while maintaining accuracy through iterative refinement and verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs sophisticated computational algorithms and graphical processing techniques that substitute manual expert analysis with automated intelligence capable of achieving both high speed and high accuracy in parameter determination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11520316B2Determining control parameters for an industrial automation device

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

Disclosed is a method including obtaining a graphical representation including information on one or more performance metrics associated with an industrial automation device, determining a target operating point associated with the industrial automation device based at least partly on the graphical representation, obtaining a target reference value and one or more operating limits for the industrial automation device, obtaining operational information associated with usage of the industrial automation device, and determining one or more control parameters for the industrial automation device, wherein the one or more control parameters are determined based at least partly on the following: the target reference value, the one or more operating limits, the operational information, and the target operating point.