Distributed Control Modules Using Cumulating Command References

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Distributed control systems face noise introduction due to differences in unit time intervals between main processing units and distributed control modules, leading to reduced responsiveness when the distributed control module operates at faster intervals.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a distributed control module that upsamples nominal command references from a main processing unit to generate cumulating command references, allowing the distributed control module to operate at faster unit time intervals while reducing noise in the control loop by distributing the nominal command references across its unit time interval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the distributed control module operates at a faster unit time interval than the main processing unit, then the responsiveness of the control loop is improved, but noise is introduced into the control loop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponsiveness of control loopVSAvoidnoise in control loop

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the single nominal command reference from the main processing unit into multiple cumulating command references that are distributed across the faster unit time intervals of the distributed control module. This segmentation allows the control module to operate at higher speed while maintaining signal integrity and reducing noise through proper distribution of control commands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by generating cumulating command references in advance within the distributed control module based on the nominal command reference from the main processing unit. This preliminary generation of multiple command references at the faster clock rate allows the control loop to respond more quickly without introducing noise, as the commands are pre-calculated and ready for immediate execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the distributed control module is slowed to match the main processing unit's clock rate, then noise in the control loop is reduced, but the responsiveness of the control loop decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise in control loopVSAvoidresponsiveness of control loop

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by allowing the distributed control module to operate independently at its own faster clock rate while dynamically generating cumulating command references that are synchronized with the main processing unit's nominal command references. This dynamic approach enables the system to maintain both low noise levels and high responsiveness, as each module operates at its optimal speed without being constrained by the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the distributed control module operates at a faster clock rate, then productivity of the control module is improved, but device complexity increases due to handling different time intervals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol command output rateVSAvoidtime interval synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of cumulating command references that mediate between the main processing unit's nominal command references and the distributed control module's faster operation. This intermediary layer handles the time interval conversion and distribution, allowing the module to operate at higher productivity while the complexity of time interval synchronization is managed through the systematic generation and distribution of cumulating commands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11803168B2Distributed control modules with cumulating command references

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A distributed control system may include a main processing unit, a distributed control module, and a controllable component. The distributed control module may be configured to receive a nominal command reference from the main processing unit, determine a series of cumulating command references based at least in part on the nominal command reference; and output a series of cumulating control commands to the controllable component. The series of cumulating control commands may be based at least in part on the series of cumulating command references.