Automated Control Device Component Integration via Internet

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of additional components or functionality into existing control systems for machine tools and work machines is time-consuming and requires specialized knowledge, as users must navigate complex engineering environments and control systems, often with outdated documentation.

Innovation Solution

A method where components are retrieved from a data collection via the Internet, accompanied by step-by-step instructions and auxiliary programs, allowing for automated integration into control devices using Internet technology and automation interfaces, even for users without control-specific know-how.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If components are integrated into the control device using traditional methods, then the control device can be programmed, but the process is time-consuming and requires high user expertise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of component integrationVSAvoidprogramming time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a server, client device, and automated integration tools that mediate between the user and the control device programming process. This intermediary automatically retrieves components, generates integration code, and transfers data to the control device, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate complex programming environments and significantly reducing both time required and expertise needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If detailed documentation and instructions are provided for each component, then user expertise requirements are reduced, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating all necessary integration code, configuration data, and instructions automatically when a component is selected. The system prepares everything in advance through automated code generation and data preparation processes, so users receive ready-to-use integrated components without needing to understand the underlying complexity, thus increasing accessibility without adding visible system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated integration tools are implemented, then user expertise requirements are reduced, but the initial system complexity and setup requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent integration speedVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automated integration tools that autonomously perform component retrieval, code generation, data preparation, and transfer to the control device without requiring human intervention. The system serves itself by automatically managing the entire integration workflow, which dramatically increases productivity while the complexity is confined to the automated tools rather than requiring complex user actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2085840B1Method for programming a control device
Publication Date: 2016.08.17 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2085840B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2085840B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2085840B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for programming a control device (10) for a machine. First, a component (2) required for programming the control device is procured, whereby this component is retrieved from a data collection (4). Furthermore, this component is stored in a storage device (6) and processed. Finally, the processed component is integrated into the control device. According to the invention, the component (2) is retrieved from a data collection (4) via the internet, and instructions (30) characteristic of the component (2) and of the processing of the component (2) are issued to a user (8), these instructions also being retrievable via the internet.