Frequency Converter Application Repository for Multi-App Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frequency converters used in automation devices, such as AC motor drives, typically require costly programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces, and are limited to storing a single program, which restricts their application capabilities and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an application repository in the frequency converter's non-volatile memory, allowing multiple high-performance applications to be stored and switched between, with user-selectable options via a parameter interface, reducing CPU performance requirements and eliminating the need for PLCs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a frequency converter uses a programmable logic controller (PLC) to store and execute control programs, then the application capability and flexibility are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the application storage and execution functions directly into the frequency converter's existing memory and processing units. The application repository is implemented using the frequency converter's non-volatile memory (flash memory) and execution memory (RAM), merging multiple functions into a single integrated system rather than adding separate PLC hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency converter's memory and processing units are designed to serve multiple purposes: storing and executing both traditional frequency conversion control logic and multiple high-performance applications. The application repository enables the same hardware resources to handle diverse computational tasks across different applications, making the device universally capable without requiring dedicated PLC hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a frequency converter stores multiple applications in memory, then the adaptability and application flexibility are improved, but the memory requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments applications into discrete, independently stored units in the application repository. Each application is stored as a separate entity that can be individually selected, loaded, and executed. This segmentation allows efficient memory management where only the currently needed application is loaded into execution memory, rather than maintaining all applications simultaneously in memory.
Solution Approach 2:
Applications are pre-compiled and stored in the application repository in the frequency converter's non-volatile memory. This preliminary preparation allows applications to be quickly loaded into execution memory when needed, without requiring compilation or extensive processing at runtime. The system performs the memory-intensive preparation work in advance, reducing real-time memory requirements.
3Productivity
If high CPU performance is provided to execute multiple applications, then the application execution capability is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides CPU performance sufficient for executing one application at a time, rather than requiring simultaneous execution of multiple applications. The frequency converter loads and executes applications sequentially or selectively, using partial CPU capacity for each application. This approach achieves high productivity for individual applications without requiring excessive CPU resources that would increase device complexity and cost.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computerized method is disclosed in which an automation device stores (201), in a parameter storage, application-related parameters, each parameter uniquely identifying a specific automation device application. The automation device also stores (202), in an application repository, automation device applications as separate computer program entities. The automation device may detect (203) a pre-determined act performed by a user, the predetermined act comprising the user selecting via a user interface an application-related parameter among the application-related parameters stored in the parameter storage. Based on the detecting (203), the automation device retrieves (204), from the application repository to an execution memory, the automation device application corresponding to the selected application-related parameter, wherein the retrieved automation device application is executable from the execution memory, in order to drive the automation device for an application-related purpose.