I/O Module Data Carriers for Faster Automation Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration and parameterization of automation systems are time-consuming and laborious, especially when components are exchanged or added, requiring efficient methods to record and utilize configuration data quickly and reliably.
Innovation Solution
An I/O module with detachable information carriers, such as bar codes or NFC chips, that can be read by mobile devices, allowing for wireless transmission of configuration data to control devices, enabling efficient configuration and parameterization of automation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If configuration and parameterization data are manually recorded and transferred, then the automation system can be configured, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration and parameterization data are pre-stored on information carriers (such as RFID tags, barcodes, or data memory devices) attached to I/O modules before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual data recording and transfer during system configuration, significantly reducing configuration time and labor requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If I/O modules are frequently replaced or added, then the automation system remains flexible and adaptable, but wiring and configuration changes become more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manually recreating configuration data when I/O modules are replaced or added, the system uses information carriers that contain copied or duplicate configuration data. This allows rapid replication of module identities and parameters, simplifying the configuration process while maintaining system flexibility for frequent changes.
3Reliability
If configuration data is stored on fixed I/O modules, then the data remains stable, but the data cannot be easily transferred or reassigned when modules are moved or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration and parameterization data are segmented into separate information carriers that can be independently attached to or detached from I/O modules. This segmentation allows the data to remain stable when stored on the carrier while enabling easy transfer by simply moving the information carrier between modules, thus maintaining both data reliability and operational flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method significantly reduces the time and effort required for configuring and parameterizing automation systems, allowing for quick and reliable assignment of configuration data to I/O modules and creation of digital wiring protocols.
Implementation Method 1
The configuration and/or parameterization information is applied to the information carrier as an optoelectronically readable code and can be read by a mobile and portable reading device containing an optical sensor
Implementation Method 2
the configuration and/or parameterization information stored in the information carrier can be read by means of a mobile and portable NFC-enabled reading device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~4
AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to an I/O module (110; 260)) for use in an automation system (10, 240). The I/O module (110, 260) has at least one terminal connection point (1) for connecting a signal line (1; 280) and at least one information carrier (110a, 110b; 261), which contains configuration and/or parameterization information, wherein the information carrier (110a, 110b; 261) is designed for output by means of a mobile and portable reading device (230; 290).