Controller Startup with Auto-Loaded Module Parameters

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control device systems face challenges in being easily, flexibly, and reliably parameterized, especially when dealing with diverse hardware modules of different types, such as fieldbus, encoder, and safety modules, which require specific parameter settings and control programs.

Innovation Solution

A method for starting up a control device system that involves coupling hardware modules to a control unit, determining the module type, selecting and loading type-specific control programs and parameter sets, and allowing parameter value adjustments through an operator interface, enabling flexible and reliable parameterization across various module types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple type-specific parameter sets and control programs are stored for different hardware modules, then the system becomes more versatile and adaptable, but the device complexity and memory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehardware module compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed with a universal parameter management system that can handle multiple hardware module types through a single integrated interface. The system loads and manages type-specific parameter sets dynamically, allowing one control unit to serve multiple functions across different hardware configurations without requiring separate dedicated systems for each module type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

All type-specific parameter sets and control programs are pre-stored in the control unit's memory before runtime. When a hardware module is connected, the system quickly identifies the module type and loads the corresponding pre-prepared parameter set, eliminating the need for manual configuration or complex real-time generation of parameters, thus reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If all parameter sets are loaded into internal memory, then access speed improves, but the memory capacity requirements and initial complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter access speedVSAvoidmemory management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The parameter sets are segmented into type-specific groups stored in internal memory, with each group corresponding to a particular hardware module type. The system loads only the relevant segment when a specific module type is detected, rather than loading all parameters at once. This segmentation approach maintains fast access speeds for active parameters while reducing overall memory management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If type-specific parameter sets are provided for each hardware module, then parameterization accuracy improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to more parameters to configure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameterization accuracyVSAvoidparameter setting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically performs parameter set selection and loading based on the detected hardware module type. The system serves itself by identifying the connected module and retrieving the appropriate parameter set without requiring the operator to manually select or configure which parameter set to use, thus maintaining accuracy while simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an automatic parameter management intermediary layer between the operator and the type-specific parameter sets. This intermediary automatically matches the hardware module type with the corresponding parameter set and presents a unified configuration interface, shielding the operator from the complexity of multiple parameter sets while ensuring the correct parameters are applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3682302B1Method for starting up a controller system and controller system
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 LENZE AUTOMATION
  • EP3682302B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for starting up a controller system (1), said controller system (1) having: - at least one electric controller (2) and - a plurality of hardware modules (3a, 3b, 3c) of different types which can be coupled to the controller (2), wherein to each type of hardware module (3a, 3b, 3c) there is assigned a type-specific parameter set (4a, 4b, 4c) and a type-specific control program (5a, 5b, 5c), and a respective parameter set (4a, 4b, 4c) has a quantity of parameters with adjustable parameter values. The method has the steps of: - coupling a hardware module (3a, 3b, 3c) to the controller (2), determining the type of the coupled hardware module (3a, 3b, 3c) by means of the controller (2), - selecting the type-specific control program (5a, 5b, 5c) by means of the controller (2), and - by means of the controller, selecting the type-specific parameter set (4a, 4b, 4c) as an adjustable parameter set (2).