Control Device Configuration Management via Integrated Operator Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for production machines require complex and time-consuming configuration updates during upgrades, maintenance, and operation, lacking user-friendly interfaces for operators to manage element connections and configurations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a reservoir area for element descriptions, including interface lists, and an operator interface for requesting, outputting, and changing configuration descriptions, allowing for simplified updates and monitoring of production machine configurations, including installation, dismantling, and commissioning information, as well as parameter settings and error detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If configuration updates are performed using external modeling programs on PCs, then configuration descriptions can be created and stored, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration management functionality directly into the control device by integrating a reservoir area for storing element descriptions and an operator interface for configuration management. This eliminates the need for separate external modeling programs on PCs, allowing operators to perform configuration updates directly at the production machine, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining configuration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device enables self-service configuration management by providing operators with direct access to configuration descriptions through the integrated operator interface. Operators can request, output, and change configuration descriptions without requiring external modeling programs, making the configuration management process self-contained and eliminating dependency on external systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If configuration descriptions are stored externally on PCs, then configuration data can be managed, but the device complexity increases due to multiple systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines configuration storage, processing, and user interface functionality into a single integrated control device. The reservoir area within the control device stores element descriptions and configuration descriptions, eliminating the need for separate external PC systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full configuration management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the control system for the production machine and as the configuration management system. The operator interface provides universal access to configuration operations including requesting, outputting, and changing configuration descriptions, as well as monitoring machine operation, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated configuration management hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operators need to manually update configurations during machine upgrades, then the control device can adapt to new elements, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The operator interface enables operators to independently perform configuration updates without requiring external modeling programs or complex procedures. Operators can directly request, view, and modify configuration descriptions through the integrated interface, making the upgrade process straightforward and self-service oriented while maintaining full adaptability to new machine elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device stores element descriptions with interface information in the reservoir area in advance, prepared for potential configuration changes. When upgrades occur, operators can directly utilize these pre-stored descriptions to configure new elements, eliminating the need for preliminary external modeling and configuration preparation work.
Data Source
AI summary
A production machine can be controlled by a control device in accordance with a control program which is stored in the control device. The production machine has at least two elements having interfaces, which are connected to one another at the interfaces. The control device stores element descriptions of possible elements, which respectively comprise at least one list of the existing interfaces, such that the control device can determine which elements can be connected to one another. The control device also stores a desired expansion description which at least comprises which elements the production machine has and which interfaces are said to connect the elements to one another. The control device has an operator interface which an operator of the production machine can use to request the desired expansion description which can be output to the operator on the basis of the request and can be changed by the operator.