Field Device Configuration Tool Template Duplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of multiple field devices of the same type in automation installations is complex and error-prone, requiring individual parameterization of each device, which is time-consuming and prone to errors due to the need for detailed and repetitive parameter adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A configuration tool that logically identifies field devices and resorts to a prescribed field-device-type-specific information package to create a first individual package for one device, which is then duplicated and individualized for subsequent devices of the same type, reducing the need for comprehensive individual configuration and minimizing errors by reusing already-checked parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual configuration is performed for each field device, then device-specific parameters can be precisely adjusted, but the configuration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates templates from master field devices that can be copied and reused for configuring additional devices of the same type. This allows configuration parameters to be replicated automatically, reducing the time required for configuring multiple devices while maintaining precision through template-based consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration by creating master field devices with pre-configured parameters and templates before deploying additional devices. This preliminary action establishes a reusable configuration foundation that accelerates subsequent device configuration while ensuring parameter accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive individual parameterization is performed for each device, then device functionality is optimized, but error rates increase due to repetitive manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
By copying configuration templates from master field devices, the patent ensures consistent parameter settings across multiple devices. This reduces manual intervention and associated errors while maintaining device adaptability through template customization options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service configuration where new field devices can be automatically configured by copying from master devices. This reduces human error in repetitive parameterization tasks while maintaining the ability to adapt parameters when needed.
3Measurement precision
If detailed parameter adjustment is performed for each field device, then configuration accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the configuration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration process into template creation (for master devices) and template application (for additional devices). This segmentation reduces configuration complexity by separating the complex parameter adjustment work into a one-time template creation phase followed by simpler replication phases, while maintaining accuracy through template-based consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method/device for managing and configuring field devices in an automation installation with a configuration tool designed to physically identify a field device in the automation installation and logically identify its field device type, to logically incorporate and configure it into the automation installation, the tool to this end resorting to a prescribed field-device-type-specific information package at least partially describing functions and data of the field device type. Parameterizing a plurality of field devices of the same type may be achieved by forming a first individual field-device-specific information package for a first field device from the field-device-type-specific information package, and a further individual field-device-specific information package for each further field device of the same type from the first individual field-device-specific information package, by first of all duplicating the first individual field-device-specific information package, then individualizing it for the further field device.