Browser-Based Hydraulic Control Programming

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The maintenance effort for users of hydraulic devices is significant due to the need for programming tools and updates, which can be burdensome and require frequent reinstallations, especially when operating systems change, impacting flexibility in controlling these devices.

Innovation Solution

A browser-based method for creating and executing control sequences for hydraulic devices, where the server generates the program, allowing users to control devices without needing specialized programming tools, and enabling graphical programming to simplify the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If programming tools and compilers are installed locally on user devices, then flexibility in creating control sequences is improved, but maintenance effort and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in creating control sequencesVSAvoidmaintenance effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A server acts as an intermediary between the user and the programming environment. The server hosts the programming tools, compilers, and development environment, while users access these resources remotely through web browsers. This mediator eliminates the need for users to install and maintain complex programming tools locally, while still providing full access to flexible program creation and editing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical installation and configuration of programming tools on local devices with a web-based access model. Instead of physically installing compilers, linkers, and development environments on user machines, the system uses networked web servers to deliver these tools remotely, substituting physical software deployment with digital service delivery through standard web protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If programming tools are kept up to date with updates and backups, then reliability of hydraulic device control is improved, but time and resources for maintenance increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of control sequencesVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The server-based programming environment performs self-maintenance and automatic updates without requiring user intervention. The development tools, compilers, and supporting software are maintained on the server side, where updates can be applied centrally without affecting users. This self-service approach ensures the programming environment remains reliable and current while eliminating the time users would otherwise spend on maintenance tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the operating system is updated or replaced, then security and performance of the system are improved, but the programming environment may need to be reinstalled, increasing maintenance burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity and performanceVSAvoidease of programming

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the programming environment from the user's local operating system. By segmenting the development tools and runtime environment into a distinct server-based component, the patent allows the user's local OS to be updated or replaced without affecting the programming capability. The programming environment exists as an independent web-based service that users access through their browsers, insulating it from local system changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If specialized programming tools are provided to users, then ability to create custom control sequences is improved, but device complexity and cost for users increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to create custom control sequencesVSAvoidprogramming tools requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server-based platform provides a universal programming environment that can serve multiple users and multiple hydraulic devices through a single installation. Instead of each user needing their own specialized programming tools, the multi-functional server hosts a shared development environment that accommodates various programming needs through web access, reducing individual user complexity while maintaining versatile programming capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3133448B1Method and device for programming and controlling hydraulic devices

Publication Date: 2020.05.20 HAWE HYDRAULIK SE

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling one or more hydraulic devices and an associated apparatus. A control sequence for the one or more hydraulic devices is created in a browser-based application provided by a server. A program implementing the created control sequence is then generated on the server. After the optional download of the generated program, the program is executed locally to carry out the control sequence for the one or more hydraulic devices.