Grouped Software Updating for Networked Low-Voltage Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating software in a multiplicity of low-voltage elements, such as circuit-breakers, are inefficient and often require manual, sequential updates, which are time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device for updating software in groups of low-voltage elements simultaneously, utilizing a control device to manage the updating process, ensuring parallel execution where possible, with status reporting and error handling to ensure successful completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequential updating of low-voltage elements is performed, then reliability of individual updates is maintained, but updating time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the updating process into two levels: (1) Low-voltage elements are divided into multiple groups, and (2) within each group, elements are updated sequentially one by one. This segmentation allows parallel processing of groups while maintaining sequential reliability within groups, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device prepares update packages in advance for multiple groups before actual updating begins. By pre-configuring the update sequence and preparing software packages beforehand, the system can initiate parallel group updates without compromising the sequential reliability check within each group.
2Productivity
If parallel updating of low-voltage elements is performed, then updating speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing elements into groups and updating groups in parallel rather than individual elements, the patent achieves parallel processing benefits while managing complexity through structured group management. The control device handles group-level coordination rather than individual element coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device implements a universal update management mechanism that handles multiple groups simultaneously using the same control logic and communication protocols. This multi-functional approach enables parallel updating without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Reliability
If manual updating of each low-voltage element is performed, then error detection is possible, but labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service updating where low-voltage elements automatically receive and install software updates without manual intervention. The control device manages the entire process including error detection and retry logic, eliminating the need for manual updating while maintaining error detection capabilities through automated monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device implements feedback mechanisms where each low-voltage element reports update status back to the control device. This automated feedback loop enables error detection and handling without manual intervention, allowing the system to monitor and manage updates across multiple groups parallelly.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for updating the software of a multiplicity of low-voltage elements that are able to communicate, includes arranging the low-voltage elements in groups and updated the individual groups of low-voltage elements succession. In contrast, the low-voltage elements in a group are updated substantially at the same time. This makes it possible to update the software of a networked system of low-voltage components more efficiently and more quickly. A control device and a system are also provided.