Industrial Control Configuration via Selective Feature Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The engineering process for configuring industrial control apparatuses, such as programmable logic controllers, is time-consuming and error-prone due to the need for numerous manual inputs, requiring a more efficient method to reduce time and error rates.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves starting a detection mode to select and buffer-store features from existing stock configurations, allowing for the efficient transfer of these features to target control apparatuses, minimizing manual entries and enabling remote configuration across networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration methods are used for industrial control apparatuses, then configuration flexibility and precision can be maintained, but the engineering process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a master configuration from an existing stock control apparatus that can be copied and transferred to multiple target control apparatuses. This copying mechanism allows the configuration data to be reused across multiple devices, significantly reducing the time required for engineering while maintaining consistency and accuracy through automated transfer rather than manual re-entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration work by creating a master configuration in advance that contains all necessary settings and parameters. This preliminary action allows subsequent configurations to be generated quickly through automated transfer, eliminating the need for repeated manual configuration work while ensuring accuracy through the pre-validated master configuration.
2Reliability
If complete manual configuration is performed for each control apparatus, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but the error rate increases due to numerous manual inputs
Solution Approach 1:
By copying the master configuration to target control apparatuses, the system eliminates numerous manual input operations that would introduce errors. The automated copying process ensures that the same validated configuration is applied consistently across multiple devices, improving reliability while making the configuration process easier and less prone to human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service configuration by automatically transferring the master configuration to target apparatuses without requiring manual intervention for each device. This self-service mechanism reduces the ease of manufacture barrier by automating the repetitive configuration tasks while maintaining high reliability through consistent automated application of the master configuration.
3Productivity
If stock configurations are completely transferred to target apparatuses, then configuration time is reduced, but adaptability to individual target requirements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows selective transfer of configuration features by enabling users to choose specific features from the master configuration to transfer to target apparatuses. This local quality approach means that different subsets of features can be transferred to different targets based on their specific requirements, maintaining both high productivity through automated transfer and adaptability through selective feature choice.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration is segmented into individual selectable features that can be independently transferred. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high productivity by automating the transfer process while simultaneously providing adaptability by allowing users to select only the specific features needed for each target apparatus, rather than transferring the entire configuration blindly.
4Ease of operation
If on-site configuration is performed for installed control apparatuses, then direct access to hardware is possible, but developer travel time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system copies the master configuration to target control apparatuses through automated network-based transfer, eliminating the need for developers to physically travel to on-site locations. This copying mechanism maintains ease of operation by allowing configuration of remotely installed apparatuses while dramatically reducing developer time by removing travel requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a network-based intermediary mechanism that enables remote configuration of control apparatuses. This intermediary allows configuration data to be transferred electronically between the development environment and installed apparatuses, maintaining accessibility to remote devices while eliminating the time loss associated with developer travel to on-site locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring an industrial control apparatus, the method including: starting a detection mode; selecting a stock control apparatus; opening a stock configuration of the stock control apparatus; selecting and buffer-storing at least one feature of the stock configuration; starting a transfer mode; selecting at least one target control apparatus; and transferring the at least one selected and buffer-stored feature of the stock configuration to the target control apparatus.