Compressed Air Bus Control for Live Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressed air distribution systems face disruptions when changes, such as adding or removing devices, are made, leading to inconvenience for users, especially in critical applications.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for remotely managing compressors via a control system using a shared communication bus to iteratively share statuses, control compressors, detect and integrate new devices, and configure settings without interrupting existing operations, allowing for parallel communication and minimal disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If changes are made to the compressed air distribution system (adding/removing devices, modifying settings), then the system can be adapted to new requirements, but interruptions occur in the operation affecting consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The control system detects a newly connected device and integrates it into the control network before any operational changes are made. This preliminary integration allows the system to prepare for upcoming modifications while maintaining continuous operation of existing devices, thus preventing interruptions during system adaptations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous control and operation of existing compressors and consumers throughout the device integration process. The control system parallel-controls multiple devices simultaneously, ensuring that useful actions (compressed air supply) continue without interruption while the new device is being integrated into the network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices are integrated into the control system, then system functionality is enhanced, but integration time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
When a device connects to the compressed air distribution system, it automatically becomes visible on the shared communication bus. The control system autonomously detects the new device through the bus and initiates integration procedures without requiring manual intervention or system shutdown, thereby reducing integration time and enabling self-service configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the shared communication bus for newly connected devices. Upon detection, the system provides feedback signals to integrate the new device into the control network, allowing dynamic adaptation and rapid incorporation of new equipment without time-consuming manual configuration processes.
3Productivity
If compressors are controlled in parallel to meet varying demand, then system responsiveness is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse compressor control tasks simultaneously. It can detect new devices, integrate them into the network, and parallel-control multiple compressors using the same communication infrastructure and control logic, thereby managing complexity through universal design rather than separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared communication bus serves as an intermediary between the control system and multiple compressors. It facilitates parallel communication and control of multiple devices simultaneously, allowing the control system to manage complex parallel operations through a standardized mediation layer that simplifies the control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of remotely managing a compressed air distribution system by means of a control system of one or more compressors. The method is iteratively repeated, and includes the steps of sharing respective statuses by the one or more compressors with the control system via a shared communication bus, controlling the one or more compressors in parallel via the shared communication bus based on the statuses and on a required pressure and/or flow rate, and when a first device is connected to the compressed air distribution system, detecting the first device, integrating the first device. The integration is carried out simultaneously with the parallel control of the one or more compressors.