Method for managing a control unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Regulator devices face conflicts between internal and external time programming when associated with a master device, leading to incorrect execution of either programming mode, and require manual mode changes which are not intuitive for users.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that allow selection between internal and external time programming modes by using a variable to switch between modes based on predefined values, enabling seamless execution of either programming without conflicts, and allowing manual intervention for mode changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the control device executes both internal and external time programming simultaneously, then both programming modes are available, but conflicts occur preventing correct execution of either mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailability of time programming modesVSAvoidcorrect execution of programming
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between internal and external time programming modes based on operational context. The control unit automatically detects whether it is operating independently or in association with a master device, and dynamically selects the appropriate programming mode. This dynamic adaptation resolves the conflict by ensuring only one time programming mode executes at a time, preventing contradictory commands while maintaining versatility across different operating scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the control device requires manual mode changes to switch between internal and external time programming, then execution conflicts are avoided, but user operation becomes non-intuitive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconflict-free executionVSAvoidintuitiveness of mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs self-service by automatically detecting its operational context and selecting the appropriate time programming mode without requiring manual user intervention. The system monitors whether it is associated with a master device and autonomously switches between internal and external time programming modes. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually change modes, making the system intuitive to operate while maintaining reliable conflict-free execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the control device operates in independent mode with internal time programming, then seamless execution is achieved, but integration with master device and external time programming is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseamless execution of internal programmingVSAvoidintegration capability with master device
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically adapts its operational mode based on its relationship with a master device. When operating independently, it executes internal time programming seamlessly. When associated with a master device, it automatically switches to external time programming mode. This dynamic behavior ensures both seamless execution in independent mode and integration capability when needed, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4086715B1Method for managing a control unit
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 DELTA DORE SA
  • EP4086715B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP4086715B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4086715B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Method for managing the regulation of a regulating device, the regulating device comprising a first mode and a second mode, the regulating device further comprising a fixed setpoint and an internal time programming, the regulating device being able to be associated with a master device comprising an external time programming.The process includes: - executing (402) the internal time programming when the first mode is selected (400) and when a variable is equal to a first value (401), - executing (404) the external time programming when the first mode is selected (400) and when said variable is equal to a second value (403), - executing (411) the fixed setpoint when the second mode is selected (410), And: - initializing the variable to the first value, - assigning the second value to the variable when an association with a master device is detected, - assigning the first value to the variable if a disassociation from the master device is detected.