Industrial Controller Parameter Pre-Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for commissioning industrial machines or systems are time-consuming and require manual entry of parameters, which can lead to inefficiencies and delays in getting the system operational.

Innovation Solution

A method where process parameters are entered and parameter values for converters are determined in a computer, allowing the controller and converters to be pre-configured during manufacturing, enabling immediate operation upon installation without the need for commissioning, and allowing for easy replacement and storage of parameters using long-term stable memory solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual parameter entry and commissioning procedures are used, then the control system can be configured with necessary parameters, but the commissioning time and system setup duration increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter configuration accuracyVSAvoidcommissioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring all necessary parameters, application programs, and converter settings during the manufacturing phase. The control system is delivered in a ready-to-operate state with parameters already stored in memory, eliminating the need for manual commissioning and parameter entry at the customer site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating digital replicas of parameter sets and application programs that are stored in the control system's memory. These digital copies allow the system to be quickly restored or transferred to replacement control systems without manual re-entry, maintaining configuration accuracy while reducing setup time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If control systems are replaced during maintenance, then system availability can be restored, but the replacement process is time-consuming due to parameter re-entry requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables quick replacement by storing complete parameter sets and application programs in the control system's memory. When a control system needs replacement, the configuration can be rapidly copied to the new system through data exchange interfaces, eliminating manual parameter re-entry and minimizing downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is prepared in advance during manufacturing with all necessary parameters and programs pre-loaded into memory. This preliminary configuration ensures that replacement systems are ready to be deployed immediately upon arrival at the customer site, reducing both replacement preparation time and on-site installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If comprehensive parameter documentation is maintained, then system configuration can be restored or transferred, but the complexity of managing and updating parameters increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter retentionVSAvoidparameter management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the storage of application programs and parameter data into a single integrated memory system within the control unit. This unified storage approach eliminates the need for separate documentation management, reducing complexity while ensuring that all configuration information is retained and can be easily transferred between systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3215899B1Method for producing and operating an industrial machine or plant
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing and operating an industrial machine or plant, wherein the machine or plant carries out an industrial process which is characterized by process parameters, wherein the machine or plant comprises a control system which has a control and at least one converter connected to the control for data exchange, wherein the converter(s) is/are parameterizable by parameters, wherein in a computer, an application program is selected which is allocated to the industrial process and makes said process controllable, the process parameters are entered into the computer, at least one symbolized converter is selected from a quantity of symbolized converters, parameter values of the respective converter are determined in the computer for the selected application program based on the entered process data, the control is equipped with the application program and the process parameters and the respective converter is equipped with the determined parameters, and the control and the respective converter are installed in the machine or plant.