Dynamic Standby Switching Sequences for Industrial Production Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for managing energy-saving standby states in industrial production systems are inefficient due to manual creation and maintenance of system circuit models, requiring significant effort and data management, and lack automated generation of switching sequences that adapt to changing system conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a dynamically changing predicate logic semantic plant model to automatically generate switching sequences by deriving relevant variables and action schemes from component relationships, reducing the need for manual intervention and enabling adaptive switching path determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual creation and maintenance of system circuit models is used, then system switching paths can be determined, but significant effort and data management are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated generation of switching sequencesVSAvoidmanual creation and maintenance of system circuit models
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically generates switching sequences by having the control device query component information and autonomously determine switching paths without requiring manual model creation or maintenance by operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes of creating and maintaining circuit models with automated electronic querying and processing of component information through a control device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If static switching paths are predetermined, then switching sequences can be executed, but they cannot adapt to changing system conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptive switching path determinationVSAvoidswitching sequence generation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines switching paths by querying current component information and states at runtime, allowing the switching sequences to adapt to changing system conditions rather than following static predetermined paths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device queries component information and uses the returned data to dynamically adjust switching paths, creating a feedback loop that enables adaptation to current system conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If detailed system models are maintained manually, then precise switching control is achieved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidsystem state tracking
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Components provide their own information when queried by the control device, eliminating the need for manual model maintenance while ensuring accurate system state tracking through automated information collection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3295264B1Method for generating a switching sequence in an industrial system, and device
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3295264B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3295264B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3295264B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3A

AI summary

The invention relates to the automated, dynamic and model-based generation and execution of switching sequences for standby-states in complex systems. It can be required to temporarily switch production systems, in whole or in part, into a standby state for energy saving. Production systems consist of a plurality of different components, which can optionally be combined to form aggregates and consequently be dependent on one another. Therefore, the following applies: "standby" represents a device state in which at least one function, but not the main function, is performed, wherein a significantly reduced energy consumption is achieved and the main function can be reactivated without pre-conditions at any time. The activating and exiting of standby states is however not immediately possible, rather a certain lead time is required. The object of the invention is to provide a method for the automated generation of a switching sequence, which permits the coordinated switching of the entire system into a standby state.