IED Design Templates for Simplified Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of user-configurable settings in Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) for electric power transmission and distribution systems can lead to incorrect configurations, resulting in undesired operations and unnecessary expenses due to the lack of simplicity in configuration processes.

Innovation Solution

The use of design templates that allow users to input data to generate specific IED settings, with the option to store these settings in an archive file on the IED, simplifying the configuration process and enabling reversible logic equations for generating and comparing settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users directly configure IED settings with multiple user-configurable parameters, then the device can be customized for specific applications, but the complexity of configuration increases leading to incorrect settings and operational errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration process into two distinct layers: a simplified user interface layer that presents only necessary parameters, and a backend processing layer that handles the complete set of IED settings. This segmentation allows users to interact with a simplified subset of parameters while the system automatically manages the full configuration complexity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary configuration management system that sits between the user and the IED device. This intermediary translates simplified user inputs into complete device configurations, automatically generating or retrieving appropriate parameter values. The intermediary acts as a mediator that preserves full customization capability while shielding users from configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users directly configure IED settings without guidance, then flexibility is maintained, but the risk of incorrect configuration increases resulting in undesired operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring templates with appropriate parameter values and relationships before user interaction. The system prepares validated configuration templates in advance, ensuring that only reliable and tested parameter combinations are presented to users. This preliminary preparation maintains flexibility while guaranteeing configuration accuracy through pre-validated settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that validate user inputs against predefined rules and constraints. The system provides real-time feedback to guide users toward correct configurations, preventing erroneous settings from being applied. This feedback loop maintains configuration flexibility while ensuring reliability by automatically detecting and correcting potential errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If comprehensive IED settings are made available to users, then full control is achieved, but the time required for configuration increases due to the large number of parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser controlVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by presenting users with only the essential subset of parameters needed for typical configurations, while maintaining the option to access additional parameters when necessary. The system provides sufficient control for most users with a limited parameter set, reducing configuration time, while still allowing full access to comprehensive settings when advanced customization is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the parameter presentation based on user needs and device context. The system adapts the configuration interface by showing only relevant parameters for the current device state and application scenario, automatically hiding or collapsing unrelated settings. This dynamic parameter management maintains user control over necessary settings while dramatically reducing the time required for typical configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8554739B2Systems and methods for IED design templates
Publication Date: 2013.10.08 SCHWEITZER ENGINEERING LABORATORIES INC
  • US8554739B2 patent drawing
  • US8554739B2 patent drawing
  • US8554739B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a variety of systems and methods that may be utilized to facilitate the configuration of intelligent electronic devices using design templates. A design template may be configured to make available to the user only particular inputs that might need to be modified for a specific application of the intelligent electronic device. Use of templates, as disclosed herein, may simplify the task of configuring an intelligent electronic device. Data entered by the user may be utilized to generate a plurality of intelligent electronic device settings. According to various embodiments, the data entered by a user may be stored on the intelligent electronic device in an archive file. The archive file may also include other design information that a user may desire to store on the intelligent electronic device.