Load Circuit Checking Using Installation State Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for checking load circuits in control systems of technical installations generate large amounts of raw data, making it time-consuming to detect and pinpoint component defects and wiring faults, especially in complex installations.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that predefines installation states, determines and stores reference values, compares present parameter values with reference values, and filters the results to generate a concise list of deviations, simplifying the detection of component defects and wiring faults.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If comprehensive checking of all load circuits is performed, then detection completeness is improved, but data processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection completenessVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the checking process into two distinct phases: a testing phase where all load circuits are comprehensively checked to ensure detection completeness, and an operation phase where only essential monitoring is performed. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complete detection when needed while reducing data processing burden during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary comprehensive checking during the testing phase before normal operation begins. All load circuits are thoroughly evaluated in advance, and results are stored for reference. This preliminary action ensures that complete detection data is available before the system enters operation mode, where time-consuming processing is minimized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If all parameter data is collected and processed, then fault detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic data processing approach where the level of parameter collection and processing adapts based on the system state. During the testing phase, all parameters are collected and processed to maximize fault detection accuracy. During operation phase, the system dynamically reduces processing to only essential parameters, thereby maintaining accuracy when needed while reducing system complexity during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different processing quality levels to different phases of system operation. In the testing phase, full-quality comprehensive parameter analysis is applied to all load circuits. In the operation phase, reduced-quality essential monitoring is applied. This local differentiation of processing quality allows high accuracy during testing while maintaining manageable system complexity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If comprehensive testing of all installation states is performed, then fault detection capability is improved, but testing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection capabilityVSAvoidtesting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs comprehensive testing of all installation states as a preliminary action during the testing phase. All possible states are evaluated in advance to establish baseline data and detect potential faults. This preliminary comprehensive testing ensures high fault detection capability is established before the system enters operation, where speed becomes more critical than exhaustive testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic comprehensive testing during operation phase at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action maintains fault detection capability by regularly updating the baseline data and checking for changes, while significantly improving testing speed compared to continuous comprehensive monitoring. The system balances detection capability with productivity by testing thoroughly periodically rather than continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250138523A1Computer-Implemented Method for Checking Load Circuits of a Technical Installation
Publication Date: 2025.05.01 SIEMENS AG
  • US20250138523A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for checking load circuits in a control system of an installation that includes load circuits, each having at a load unit, a control unit and a power supply that supplies load circuits with a supply voltage and/or current that are variable via output channels, wherein the control unit controls output channels and control outputs of the control unit via signals, where established installation states are predefined and each assigned with parameters to be determined, reference values and present parameter values are then determined for particular predefined installation states and compared with applicable reference values, a divergence list is filtered using installation states stored for elements, based on division of installation states into basic states and combination states and using the parameter values stored for the elements, and a result list is generated that can be forwarded and/or output for further processing.