Chemical Separation Configuration Without Dead Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for configuring chemical separation systems involve manual or semi-manual processes that lead to increased risks of production errors and reduced safety due to the inclusion of unnecessary software functionality, known as 'dead code', which can be accidentally executed.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically identify and purge unnecessary function blocks from a set of function blocks to eliminate dead code, ensuring only the required functionality is loaded into the fluid manipulation modules, and store identities and versions of function blocks in a database for efficient management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all software functionality supporting a fluid manipulation module's capabilities is loaded into its control unit, then the module can provide complete functionality, but dead code increases the risk of production errors and reduces safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes dead code (unused software functionality) from the control unit's software. By identifying and purging function blocks that are not required for the specific configuration, the system maintains only the necessary functionality, thereby reducing the risk of production errors while preserving adaptability for the required operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by loading only the specific subset of software functionality that is actually needed for the configured fluid manipulation modules, rather than loading all possible functionality. This selective approach ensures that unnecessary dead code is excluded, improving safety without compromising the required adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration methods are used to assemble the chemical separation device, then flexibility in customization is achieved, but time-consuming work and increased risk of errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through an automated configuration system that performs the assembly and software loading processes without manual intervention. The system automatically identifies required function blocks, purges dead code, and loads the appropriate software onto control units, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual work while maintaining customization capabilities through automated configuration data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical configuration process with an automated computer-based system. The automated system uses configuration data to programmatically assemble the device specification and load software, substituting manual operations with automated computational processes, thus reducing configuration time while preserving customization options.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all software functionality is loaded into control units, then complete capability is available, but complexity and risk of accidental execution of unused code increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts dead code from the software loaded into control units by identifying function blocks that are not required for the specific configuration and purging them. This reduction in software complexity eliminates unnecessary components while preserving all required capabilities, thereby reducing the risk of accidental execution of unused code.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional configuration methods are used, then all possible functionality can be supported, but reproducibility and consistency of configuration are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automated configuration system performs consistent, reproducible assembly and software loading operations based on configuration data, eliminating variability introduced by manual processes. The system automatically purges dead code and loads only required functionality, ensuring that the same configuration always produces the same result, thereby improving configuration consistency while maintaining full functionality support.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (500) performed by a system (110) operable to configure a chemical separation system (120), the method comprising: receiving (510) system hardware configuration data, wherein the system hardware configuration data is at least indicative of fluid manipulation modules (121_1-12N_M) of the chemical separation system (120), desired functionality of the fluid manipulation modules, and a fluid network (210) comprising fluid couplers configured to fluidly couple the fluid manipulation modules (121_1-12N_M), identifying (520) a first set of function blocks to provide the indicated fluid manipulation modules with the desired functionality, generating (530) a second set of function blocks by purging a third set of function blocks from the first set of function blocks to eliminate dead code using the configuration data, sending the second set of function blocks to the system (120).