IO Signal Data Containers for Consistent Control Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of IO signals in industrial automation systems is time-consuming, prone to errors, and lacks clarity due to separate hardware and software data management, requiring manual and repetitive parameterization for each configuration, which increases the risk of inconsistencies.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a data container that integrates IO signals through abstract and concrete hardware and software configurations, eliminating the need for instance-specific parameterization, allowing for a comprehensive technical description and automatic validation, and enabling consistent configuration across all instances of a particular IO signal type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate hardware and software data management is used for IO signal configuration, then hardware and software can be configured independently, but configuration time increases and error probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate hardware and software data management into a unified data structure that stores both hardware configuration data and software configuration data for IO signals in an integrated manner. This merging eliminates the need for separate management systems while maintaining the ability to configure hardware and software independently within the unified structure, thereby reducing configuration time and error probability.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified data structure serves multiple functions: it stores hardware configuration data, software configuration data, and enables automated generation of both hardware and software configurations from a single source. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required separate management systems, reducing overall configuration time while maintaining independent configurability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual parameterization is performed for each IO signal configuration, then specific hardware and software settings can be customized, but the process becomes time-consuming and repetitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores both hardware and software configuration data in advance within a unified data structure during the planning phase. This preliminary action enables automated generation of configurations later, eliminating the need for repetitive manual parameterization while preserving full customization capability through the stored configuration data.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified data structure acts as a master template that can be copied and instantiated multiple times for different IO signals. Once the configuration is defined in the unified structure, it can be automatically replicated across multiple instances, eliminating repetitive manual work while maintaining customization through the template's configurable parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate programs detect and store hardware and software data, then data can be managed independently, but clarity decreases and error frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate hardware and software data management programs into a single unified data structure that stores both types of data together. This integration improves clarity by providing a single source of truth and reduces error frequency by eliminating the inconsistencies that arise from separate management, while still allowing independent access to hardware and software data through the unified structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If configuration is performed without automated validation, then flexibility in parameter definition is maintained, but consistency and plausibility checking opportunities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The unified data structure enables automated feedback mechanisms where configuration data is validated against stored hardware and software requirements. This feedback loop checks consistency and plausibility automatically while maintaining flexibility in parameter definition, as the validation rules can be configured to accept various parameter types and formats while ensuring they meet system requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A technical installation having at least one measurement point, wherein the measurement point has a plurality of IO signals, to which in each case a data container is assigned in a control system of the technical installation.