Configurable Industrial Device Multi-Network Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional industrial automation devices require separate hardware and software configurations for different network topologies, leading to increased complexity and redundancy in product offerings, as a device configured for one network type cannot operate in another, such as transitioning from an Ethernet network to a NEO protocol network.
Innovation Solution
A multi-configurable device with firmware that supports operation in various network types, including Ethernet, DLR, EtherNet/IP, and NEO, allowing selection of network configurations through a configuration file or graphical user interface, enabling a single device to function across multiple network environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate hardware configurations are used for different network topologies, then device reliability for specific network type is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single device that can operate across multiple network topologies (Ethernet, DLR, Star, Linear) by providing configurable network interface cards and software protocols that adapt to different network types, eliminating the need for separate hardware configurations for each topology while maintaining reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate hardware configurations are used for different network topologies, then network compatibility is improved, but manufacturing and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple network interface card types (Ethernet, DLR, Star, Linear) that can be configured through software to operate on different network topologies, allowing a single manufacturing process to produce devices that are compatible with multiple network types rather than requiring separate production lines for each topology
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network interface cards are integrated, then network versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses dynamic configuration where the selected network interface card type is determined at runtime based on the target network topology, allowing the device to adapt its behavior and active components dynamically rather than requiring all interface cards to be permanently active, thus managing complexity through dynamic activation
Data Source
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AI summary
A device is configured to be operable in a plurality of network environments. A number of different configurations are available to be set on the device, where a first configuration enables operation on a first network, and a second configuration enables operation on a second, disparate, network. A plurality of external ports in conjunction with a multiplexer switch, network switch, internal CPU, external CPU, routing links, etc., can be combined to facilitate multiple configurations for the device. The device is suitable for incorporation into a human machine interface, for application in an industrial processing operation. Receive port information can be incorporated into a data frame to facilitate identification of an external port associated with the reception of the data frame. Applicable networks include linear topology, ring topology, star topology, Ethernet, ROCKWELL NEO, EtherNet/IP, one or more LANs, etc. Configuration can be via a USB device or an interface.