Burner Control Board Memory Segmentation for Data Integrity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing burner control systems face issues with data loss during replacement or maintenance, leading to increased setup time and potential suboptimal performance, due to the reliance on non-volatile memory that is either directly attached to the control board or requires expensive external memory solutions.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising a control board with a microprocessor and non-volatile memory, paired with a display device that includes a separate non-volatile memory unit for storing operating parameters, allowing for two-way data transmission and enabling users to set, display, and store both user and set parameters, thereby allowing for automatic and manual adjustments and alignment of parameter values, and duplicating data between memories for redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If non-volatile memory is directly attached to the control board for storing operating parameters, then data storage is integrated and simple, but data loss occurs during control board replacement or maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory storage function from the control board by introducing a separate display device with its own non-volatile memory. This segmentation allows the control board to be replaced without losing stored operating parameters, as the memory resides in the separate display device rather than being integrated into the control board.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device acts as an intermediary between the user and the control board, serving as a separate data storage entity. This intermediary structure enables data to be preserved independently of the control board's lifecycle, allowing maintenance and replacement operations without data loss.
2Reliability
If external non-volatile memory units are used to prevent data loss, then data integrity is maintained, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display function and memory storage function into a single integrated display device. This merging eliminates the need for separate external memory units, as the display device itself serves as the data storage medium, thereby maintaining data integrity without adding extra components or increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device is designed to perform multiple functions: displaying information to the user and simultaneously storing operating parameters in its non-volatile memory. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated external memory units, reducing system complexity while maintaining data integrity.
3Speed
If parameters are stored only in the control board memory, then access is fast and simple, but setup time increases during board replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The operating parameters are pre-stored in the display device's non-volatile memory before any control board replacement occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when a new control board is installed, the parameters are already available in the display device, allowing for rapid transfer and configuration without requiring time-consuming manual re-entry or setup procedures.
4Productivity
If automatic parameter adjustment is implemented, then burner performance is optimized, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic parameter adjustment where the control unit autonomously modifies operating parameters based on stored historical data and performance criteria. This self-service capability allows the burner to optimize its own performance without requiring complex external control systems or manual intervention, thereby improving efficiency while keeping the control system relatively simple.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A method for controlling the operation of a burner, the burner including a control board (6) associated with a first control unit (2) and a first memory (3) capable of storing first values (ѴPF1,j,..,ѴPFi,j,.., ѴPFM,j) of operating parameters (PF1,..,PFi,..,PFM) of the burner, and a display device (7) for displaying one or more items of data relating to the functioning of the burner, the display device (7) including a second memory (5) capable of storing second values (Ѵ'PF1,j,..,Ѵ'PFi,j,.., Ѵ'PFM,j) of operating parameters (PF1,..,PFi,..,PFM) of the burner, each first and second value (ѴPFi,j, Ѵ'PFi,j), of the operating parameters (PF1,..,PFi,..,PFM) being capable of being changed over time. This method comprising the stages of: • setting for each operating parameter (PFi) at least one first value (ѴPFi,j) in the first memory (3), and setting for each operating parameter (PFi) at least one second value (Ѵ'PFi,j) in the second memory (5); ⋅ comparing, for each operating parameter (PFi), a corresponding first value (ѴPFi,j) and second value (Ѵ'PFi,j); • if the first value (ѴPFi,j) and the second value (Ѵ'PFi,j) are different, changing one of the first or second values (ѴPFi,j), (Ѵ'PFi,j) so that the first and second values (Ѵ PFi,j), (Ѵ'PFi,j) are the same.