Automatic End Effector Communication Switching in Slave Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

In industrial network systems, the frequent need to change communication settings between slave devices and end effectors during replacements increases user operational hours and decreases system operation rates, as manual settings are required each time the communication form changes, often necessitating temporary system shutdowns.

Innovation Solution

A slave device equipped with a communication part, storage part, and communication setting change part that automatically adjusts communication settings based on stored information for different end effectors, allowing for concurrent setting changes during replacements and prioritizing tasks to minimize downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual communication settings are performed each time the end effector is replaced, then the communication form can be adapted to the new end effector, but the user operational hours increase and system operation rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication form adaptationVSAvoidsystem operation rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The slave device automatically detects the attached end effector and changes communication settings without user intervention. The communication setting change part autonomously reads stored communication information corresponding to the end effector's identification and applies the appropriate settings, making the system self-configuring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Communication information for multiple end effectors is pre-stored in the storage part before replacement occurs. When an end effector is attached, the system retrieves and applies the pre-prepared communication settings, eliminating the need for real-time configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual communication settings are performed during end effector replacement, then the correct communication form is established, but temporary system shutdowns are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication form correctnessVSAvoidsystem downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic communication setting change enables seamless end effector replacement without system shutdowns. The slave device continuously maintains communication by automatically detecting the new end effector and applying appropriate settings in real-time, ensuring uninterrupted operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of changing communication settings is replaced by an automated electronic detection and configuration system. The slave device uses automatic identification and electronic retrieval of communication parameters, eliminating the need for manual intervention and system shutdowns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If communication settings are automatically changed during end effector replacement, then user operational hours are reduced and system operation rate is maintained, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser operational efficiencyVSAvoidslave device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slave device incorporates a multi-functional architecture where the storage part stores communication information for multiple end effector types, and the communication setting change part handles automatic detection and configuration for any attached end effector. This universal design manages complexity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage part acts as an intermediary between the communication part and various end effectors. It stores pre-configured communication information that mediates the interaction between the slave device and different end effector types, simplifying the automatic configuration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Extent of automation

If the end effector communication information is stored for multiple attachable end effectors, then automatic setting change is enabled, but the storage requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication setting automationVSAvoidstored communication information

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of storing complete communication protocols and configurations, the system stores condensed communication information such as identification data and key parameters. This copying approach stores only the essential information needed for automatic configuration, reducing storage requirements while maintaining automation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3476553B1Slave device, master device, and industrial network system

Publication Date: 2021.07.28 OMRON CORP

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AI summary

To reduce the working hours of a user in an operation and improve an operation rate in an industrial network system. A communication setting change part (213) is provided which automatically changes, in a timing of an end effector replacement, the communication setting in a communication part (211) according to the communication information that corresponds to an end effector (23).