Software-Defined Industrial Control With Orchestrated Node Failover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial systems face challenges in managing complexity and flexibility due to statically configured I/O and subsystems, which hinder incremental updates and lead to high operational and capital expenses, while IoT devices and software-defined technologies have not been effectively adapted for industrial settings due to cost and reliability concerns.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a software-defined industrial system (SDIS) with dynamic data models, orchestration techniques, and self-descriptive modules allows for real-time adaptation, flexible resource management, and integration of IoT devices, enabling scalable and resilient industrial control systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If statically configured I/O and subsystems are used in industrial systems, then system reliability is maintained, but system flexibility and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration of I/O and subsystems through software-defined architectures, allowing the system to adapt its structure and functionality in real-time based on operational requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between static reliability and dynamic flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into modular, independently configurable I/O and subsystem components that can be dynamically assembled and reconfigured without affecting the entire system, enabling flexible adaptation while maintaining overall system reliability through modular isolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If incremental changes are made to system design, then adaptability improves, but management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveincremental update capabilityVSAvoidmanagement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a universal software-defined control layer that manages all I/O and subsystem configurations through a single integrated interface, allowing incremental changes to be managed uniformly across the entire system rather than through multiple complex subsystem interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A software-defined intermediary layer is introduced between the physical I/O components and the control system, abstracting the complexity of incremental changes and providing a simplified management interface that reduces operational complexity while enabling flexible adaptation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If new technologies are adopted in industrial systems, then system capabilities improve, but cost and reliability risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem capabilityVSAvoidtechnology reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements virtualized copies of I/O and subsystem functionalities through software-defined models, allowing new technologies to be tested and deployed as virtual instances without replacing proven physical hardware, thereby improving capabilities while maintaining reliability through validated physical backends

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates redundancy and failover mechanisms that cushion against potential reliability issues with new technologies, allowing experimental or emerging technologies to be deployed with built-in protection that prevents single-point failures from compromising overall system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Ease of manufacture

If statically configured subsystems are used, then capital expenses are reduced, but operational expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapital expenseVSAvoidoperational expense

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation and configuration through software-defined architectures, allowing the system to optimize its operational efficiency in real-time based on actual workload and requirements, thereby reducing operational expenses through intelligent resource management while maintaining the existing physical infrastructure investment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11758031B2Distributed software-defined industrial systems

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Various systems and methods for implementing a software defined industrial system are described herein. For example, an orchestrated system of distributed nodes may run an application, including modules implemented on the distributed nodes. In response to a node failing, a module may be redeployed to a replacement node. In an example, self-descriptive control applications and software modules are provided in the context of orchestratable distributed systems. The self-descriptive control applications may be executed by an orchestrator or like control device and use a module manifest to generate a control system application. For example, an edge control node of the industrial system may include a system on a chip including a microcontroller (MCU) to convert IO data. The system on a chip includes a central processing unit (CPU) in an initial inactive state, which may be changed to an activated state in response an activation signal.