Configurable Voting Blocks for Process Control Trip Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voting blocks in process control systems are not configurable, leading to human error and inefficiencies during programming, which can result in sub-optimal or dangerous outcomes, and the addition of calc blocks introduces delays and inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A configurable voting block system that allows users to set the behavior of each input or combination of inputs through a user interface, enabling asymmetric treatment of inputs and reducing the need for manual re-programming, thereby minimizing human error and improving safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voting blocks are made configurable to reduce human error and improve safety, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voting block is transformed from a static, fixed-programming system to a dynamic, configurable system. The configuration can be adjusted at runtime through a user interface, allowing the voting strategy (e.g., 2oo3, 1oo2) to be changed without hardware modifications or manual re-programming, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standardized configurable voting block template that can be replicated and instantiated multiple times with different parameters. This allows the same proven safety logic to be copied across multiple voting blocks, reducing the need for custom programming and minimizing human error while maintaining consistency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual re-programming is required to customize voting strategies, then adaptability improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voting block is pre-configured with standardized voting strategies (e.g., 2oo3, 1oo2, 1oo1) and parameters during manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary configuration allows operators to quickly adapt to different process requirements by simply selecting from pre-defined options or adjusting parameters through a user interface, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual re-programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The voting block is designed as a universal, multi-functional component that can handle multiple voting strategies and input configurations through a single standardized interface. This universality allows the same hardware/software block to be used across different process conditions and safety requirements, reducing the need for custom programming and accelerating deployment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If calc blocks are added to achieve voting functionality, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voting functionality and calculation capabilities into a single integrated voting block. Instead of using separate calc blocks to achieve voting logic, the voting block itself incorporates the necessary computational functions, reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the system architecture while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The voting block is designed as a universal component that combines multiple functions (voting logic, parameter adjustment, strategy selection) into a single multi-functional unit. This eliminates the need for additional calc blocks and reduces overall system complexity while preserving the ability to implement various voting strategies.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for enabling the configuration of a voting block for use in a process control system of a process plant are described. According to certain aspects, the voting block may have a voting scheme that dictates an output based on a set of inputs, where the voting block may be configured parametrically using various control selections that direct the behavior of the voting scheme. In particular, a bypass degrade selection may be specified for one or more inputs that controls whether a “bypass” input degrades the voting scheme, a status degrade selection may be specified for one or more inputs that controls whether a “bad” input degrades the voting scheme, and a trip enable selection may be specified that controls whether a trip occurs automatically under certain conditions. The control selections enable the voting blocks to be configured to conform with various specifications and other requirements.