Hybrid Plant Module Integration Across MTP and PackML Standards
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of modules from different standards in hybrid modular plants, such as those combining discrete manufacturing and process industry parts, is challenging due to incompatible integration and operation methods, particularly in controlling DC-link voltage and enabling interoperability between standards like MTP and PackML.
Innovation Solution
A generic approach is provided to create a transparent interface between the orchestration layer and modules described by various standards, enabling automated or semi-automated mapping and runtime translation, utilizing a common communication protocol like OPC UA to facilitate mixed operation of hybrid modular plants, allowing for the integration of MTP and PackML interfaces within a single orchestration layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modules from different standards (MTP and PackML) are integrated into a hybrid modular plant, then the versatility and adaptability of the plant is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that sits between modules from different standards (MTP and PackML) and the orchestration system. This translation layer converts commands and data between different standards, enabling modules from both standards to communicate through a unified interface without requiring complex direct integration between incompatible systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal orchestration interface that can handle multiple standards (MTP, PackML, and others) through a single standardized API. This universal interface allows the orchestration system to interact with modules from any standard using the same methods, eliminating the need for separate integration logic for each standard and reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a transparent interface is created between the orchestration layer and modules from various standards, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for mapping and translation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified copies or representations of the various standard interfaces within the translation layer. Instead of implementing complex direct communication between orchestration and multiple standards, the system creates abstracted copies of each standard's interface that conform to a unified model, making the orchestration layer simple while handling translation complexity in the intermediary layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the integration complexity into separate, manageable translation components for each standard. Rather than having a monolithic complex integration system, the translation layer is divided into independent adapters for MTP, PackML, and other standards, each handling its own translation independently. This modular segmentation makes the overall system more manageable and easier to operate.
3Productivity
If automated mapping and runtime translation are implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity and loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms in the translation layer that monitor and verify data during automated mapping and runtime translation. The system continuously checks translated data against source data, validates conversions, and provides feedback loops to correct translation errors or data loss, ensuring high fidelity while maintaining automated translation speeds.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of integrating modules into a hybrid modular plant comprising a discrete manufacturing part and a continuous manufacturing part includes integrating the discrete part into the continuous part, comprising constructing at least one module definition file mapping one or more discrete-part units of the discrete part to a continuous-part module and importing the module definition file into an orchestration layer of the continuous part. Alternatively, the method comprises integrating the continuous part into the discrete part, comprising constructing one or more interfaces representing each continuous-part module as one or more respective discrete-part units.