FPR Sequencer for Complex System Fault Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack efficient methods for sequencing fault prevention and repair in complex systems like electrical power grids and healthcare, leading to significant costs and potential catastrophic events due to unoptimized fault management and repair sequences.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based FPR sequencer system that models fault networks, determines prevention and repair sequences, and allocates resources to minimize damage and cost by identifying failure types and generating validated sequences for managing electrical smart grids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If faults are repaired in any sequence without optimization, then all faulty sources will eventually be repaired, but the damage caused by faults increases due to prolonged fault existence time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by identifying and prioritizing critical faulty sources before repair resources are deployed. The FPR sequencer pre-analyzes the fault network to determine which faults should be addressed first based on their potential to cause cascading failures, rather than waiting for faults to fully propagate through the system. This proactive sequencing minimizes the time faults remain active and reduce overall system damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the FPR sequencer continuously monitors the system state, detects new faults, and dynamically adjusts the repair sequence based on changing conditions. The system evaluates the current fault network structure, identifies emerging critical paths, and re-optimizes the repair schedule in real-time, ensuring that repair efforts remain aligned with the most pressing system needs throughout the recovery process.
2Productivity
If multiple faults are repaired simultaneously with limited repair resources, then repair throughput increases, but the complexity of resource allocation and sequencing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fault repair process into distinct phases and priority levels. The FPR sequencer segments the fault network into critical and non-critical components, assigning different repair strategies to each segment. This segmentation allows multiple faults to be repaired simultaneously in parallel while maintaining clear prioritization rules, thereby increasing throughput without overwhelming the resource allocation system with undifferentiated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting repair resource allocation based on fault priority, system state, and resource availability. The FPR sequencer modifies key parameters such as repair team deployment, resource assignment, and sequencing decisions in real-time based on changing system conditions. This flexible parameter adjustment enables efficient parallel repair operations while keeping the allocation logic adaptable rather than rigidly complex.
3Measurement precision
If conservative approaches are used to detect and prevent faults (e.g., extensive fraud detection), then fault detection accuracy improves, but processing time and system delays increase unreasonably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing preventive measures and monitoring critical parameters before faults fully develop. The FPR sequencer identifies early warning signs and potential fault propagation paths, allowing the system to take preventive actions or prepare repair resources in advance. This early detection and preparation approach maintains high detection accuracy while reducing the time faults remain undetected or unaddressed, thereby minimizing processing delays.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If repair resources are concentrated on critical faults first, then damage from cascading failures is minimized, but non-critical faults experience longer wait times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by identifying and addressing critical faulty sources before they can trigger cascading failures. The FPR sequencer pre-prioritizes repairs based on the potential impact of each fault on system-wide stability, ensuring that critical repairs are initiated first. This preliminary prioritization prevents catastrophic cascading effects while maintaining a structured schedule that eventually addresses non-critical faults, balancing immediate damage prevention with overall repair completion.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of supervising a complex system includes acquiring and storing failures data and repair resources information regarding the complex system, identifying failure networks and structures of the complex system. Failure types associated with the failure networks of the complex system are determined. The method includes generating a plurality of failure prevention and repair (FPR) sequences, wherein each FPR is associated with the failure networks and the failure types. The generated FPR sequences are analyzed to select a set of FPR sequences and associated repair resources. The method further comprises applying the selected one of the plurality of failure prevention and repair sequences to the complex system, thereby managing the complex system.