Interlock Chain Visualization for Process Control Systems

Solution Overview

Problem

In industrial process control systems, identifying and resolving interlock chain issues is challenging due to complex interdependencies between field devices, leading to significant downtime and manual configuration requirements, which are costly and error-prone.

Innovation Solution

An interlock chain visualization system that generates automatic diagrams of field component interconnections and dependencies, allowing operators to quickly identify the source of issues and reset affected components with a single input, and automatically updates based on configuration changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration methods are used to identify and resolve interlock chain issues, then operators can control the process control system, but significant downtime and human error occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the interlock chain structure through graphical displays. This visual copy allows operators to see the relationships between field devices and interlock logic without having to manually trace through complex configurations, thereby reducing downtime and errors while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary visual interface between the operator and the complex interlock chain configuration. This intermediary graphical display translates complex interlock relationships into an easily interpretable visual format, eliminating the need for operators to manually configure or trace interlock chains, thus reducing both downtime and human error

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual configuration methods are used to identify and resolve interlock chain issues, then operators can control the process control system, but human error increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidease of identifying and resolving interlock issues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the interlock chain structure through graphical displays. This visual copy allows operators to see the relationships between field devices and interlock logic without having to manually trace through complex configurations, thereby reducing downtime and errors while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs visual indicators such as color changes, graphical highlights, or symbolic representations in the display to clearly indicate interlock relationships and states. This visual encoding makes it easy for operators to identify and resolve interlock issues without manual configuration, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Productivity

If automatic interlock chain visualization is implemented, then downtime and human error are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal visual interface that can display various types of interlock chain configurations and relationships through a single graphical display system. This multi-functional display capability provides automatic visualization for different interlock scenarios without requiring separate complex systems, thereby improving productivity while managing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the interlock chain structure through graphical displays. This visual copy allows operators to see the relationships between field devices and interlock logic without having to manually trace through complex configurations, thereby reducing downtime and errors while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20190004505A1Interlock chain visualization

Publication Date: 2019.01.03 FISHER ROSEMOUNT SYST INC

AI summary

A method of visualizing one or more interlock chains in a process control system includes detecting an interlock event, obtaining pre-configured interlock logic data associated with field components in the process control system, and automatically generating at least a first interlock chain visualization by analyzing the pre-configured interlock logic data. The visualization graphically indicates interlock dependencies among at least a subset of the field components. The method also includes causing the first interlock chain visualization, and possibly other, related chain visualizations, to be presented to a user via a user interface, alone or with related controls (e.g., for resetting all components in the visualized chain).