Field Device Reset Interface for Hardware-Adaptive Process Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control devices in process control systems require significant changes to application logic when hardware is updated, leading to reduced improvement effects and increased costs, as they lack efficient mechanisms to adapt to hardware changes without altering the application logic.
Innovation Solution
The control device incorporates a converter that transforms signals from the application executer into formats suitable for the A/I module, allowing hardware configuration changes without substantial modifications to the application logic, thereby enabling efficient reset operations and maintaining system reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware is updated with new parts or discontinued components, then technical progress and cost reduction are achieved, but application logic must be changed greatly which reduces reliability and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration file as an intermediary layer between the hardware interface module and the application logic. This configuration file stores mapping relationships that enable the application logic to adapt to different hardware versions without modification. The configuration file acts as a mediator that translates between hardware changes and the stable application logic layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation from fixed hard-coded hardware addresses to flexible configuration-based parameters. By storing input/output element addresses and device information in a configuration file, the system can adapt to hardware changes by loading different parameter sets without altering the application logic structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If application logic is changed greatly to accommodate hardware updates, then hardware adaptability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase and maintainability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct layers: the hardware interface layer, the configuration layer, and the application logic layer. The configuration file serves as a separate segment that bridges the hardware and application layers, allowing independent updates of hardware or application logic without affecting the other segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining the configuration file structure and mapping relationships before hardware changes occur. This allows the system to anticipate hardware updates and maintain compatibility through pre-established configuration templates and address mappings.
3Productivity
If hardware components are changed frequently, then technical progress is achieved, but the improvement effect is reduced due to application logic changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the hardware interface through the configuration file, which contains mapping relationships that replicate the hardware's functional behavior. This virtual representation allows the application logic to interact with hardware through a stable interface that can be updated independently in the configuration layer.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device includes an interface module configured to supply electric power to a field device installed in a plant, an application executer configured to output a reset signal for resetting the field device, and a converter configured to convert the reset signal, which has been output from the application executer, into a format which is suitable for the interface module.