Function Module Parameter Mapping Without Service Interfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The parameterization of function modules in automation technology, such as sensors and actuators, is typically device-specific and requires significant effort by service technicians using specialized interfaces, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A functional connection unit that automatically converts user-input parameter data into module-specific data sets, eliminating the need for a special service interface by assigning specific memory areas for parameter storage within the function modules, allowing for device-specific parameterization using a general parameter description, such as an XML file, and enabling automatic parameterization based on parameter memory records.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a special service interface is used for parameterizing function modules, then device-specific parameterization can be achieved, but the process requires significant effort and time by service technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining parameter data records with generic parameter indices that can be automatically converted to module-specific indices. The conversion rules are prepared in advance in the parameter memory, allowing the system to automatically map generic parameters to specific function module parameters without requiring manual configuration during installation, thus reducing parameterization time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a conversion unit that translates generic parameter indices from parameter data records into module-specific parameter indices. This intermediary layer decouples the generic parameterization interface from the specific function module requirements, allowing automatic parameterization without requiring service technicians to manually configure each parameter, thereby reducing time loss while ensuring accurate device-specific parameterization
2Manufacturing precision
If a special service interface is used for parameterizing function modules, then device-specific configuration can be achieved, but the process is labor-intensive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the function connection unit to automatically parameterize function modules using the conversion unit and pre-stored conversion rules. The system performs the parameterization process autonomously by reading generic parameter data records, converting the parameter indices according to stored rules, and transmitting the configured parameters to the function module without requiring manual intervention from service technicians, thus dramatically improving productivity while maintaining configuration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming generic parameter indices into module-specific parameter indices through automatic conversion. The conversion unit modifies the parameter data records by replacing generic index values with the corresponding specific function module indices based on conversion rules stored in the parameter memory, enabling accurate device-specific configuration to be achieved automatically without manual labor, thereby enhancing parameterization efficiency
3Ease of operation
If generic parameter data sets are used for parameterization, then ease of use is improved, but the parameters cannot be directly assigned to specific memory areas of different function modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion unit that bridges the gap between generic parameter data sets and function module-specific memory areas. The conversion unit automatically maps generic parameter indices to the correct module-specific parameter indices and memory locations based on conversion rules stored in the parameter memory. This intermediary mechanism maintains the ease of using generic parameter data while automatically handling the complex memory assignment to different function modules, thus resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a function connection unit for connecting a parameterizable function module, having: a function module connection to which the parameterizable function module can be connected; a communication interface which is designed to receive first parameter data sets, the first parameter data sets having parameter data for parameterizing the parameterizable function module and first parameter indices which indicate a memory area for the parameter data; and a processor which is designed to convert the first parameter indices into second parameter indices in order to obtain second parameter data sets, the second parameter indices indexing a predetermined memory area of the parameterizable function module for storing the parameter data in the parameterizable function module.