IO-Link Logic Adapter for Cyclic Data Conversion and Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing IO-Link system faces challenges such as limited master ports, incompatible cyclic data structures, high latency in sensor-actuator feedback, and the need for specific data formats that are not provided by connected IO-Link devices.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a distributor block for converting data-elements into input scalar signals, a combiner block for combining input scalar signals, a merger block for reconverting output signals into data-elements, and a logic block for performing logic operations, allowing for flexible and reliable processing of data elements. This apparatus acts as a configurable logic adapter, enabling efficient data processing and communication between IO-Link devices and a master device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensors or actuators are added to extend functionality, then the system functionality is improved, but the number of available master ports becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a master device and multiple slave devices, where the master device maintains a limited number of ports while slave devices can be dynamically added or removed. Each slave device independently connects to the master through available ports, allowing system expansion without increasing master port count.
Solution Approach 2:
The master device is designed with universal communication capabilities that can interface with multiple types of slave devices (sensors, actuators, etc.) through the same port structure. This multi-functionality allows diverse devices to connect without requiring dedicated ports for each device type.
2Reliability
If a device is replaced with a similar one having different cyclic data structure, then device availability is maintained, but data structure compatibility becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic changing of data structure parameters through configuration files. When a device is replaced, the corresponding configuration file can be modified to reflect the new device's data structure characteristics, enabling seamless adaptation without hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The data structure handling is made dynamic through runtime configuration capabilities. The master device can adapt its data processing to match the connected slave device's structure by loading appropriate configuration parameters, allowing flexible device replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data preprocessing is performed to meet specific client requirements, then data format compatibility is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Data preprocessing operations are configured in advance through configuration files that define the required processing steps. This preliminary configuration allows the system to automatically perform necessary data transformations without requiring complex runtime decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
A configuration file acts as an intermediary between the master device and slave devices, translating between different data structures and formats. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of data format conversion, shielding the main processing logic from format variations.
4Speed
If feedback latency is reduced for sensor-actuator communication, then system responsiveness is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local quality by allowing different communication cycles and processing depths for different slave devices. Critical sensor-actuator pairs can use short cycles with minimal processing, while less time-sensitive devices use longer cycles, optimizing the balance between responsiveness and processing overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (200) for processing incoming and/or outgoing data-elements (11) cyclically, the data-elements (11) representing numerical and/or logical values that are linked to an upper-layer application.