Master-Slave Parameter Management for Safer Remote Setup

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional control systems with a master-slave structure face challenges in efficiently managing and maintaining slave devices, particularly due to the need for individual parameter setup, which can be time-consuming and hazardous, especially when slave devices are located far apart or in dangerous locations.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that centralize the management of slave device parameters using a controller with a non-volatile storage, generating parameter IDs, requesting and transferring parameters to slave devices, and periodically checking for availability to avoid conflicts with other master devices, thereby reducing setup time and operator travel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If individual parameter setup is performed for each slave device, then parameter configuration accuracy is improved, but setup time increases and operator safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter configuration accuracyVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the parameter setup operations for multiple slave devices into a single centralized operation. The master device collects parameters for all slave devices simultaneously, stores them in its storage unit, and distributes them in one batch, eliminating the need for individual PC connections to each slave device and dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining configuration accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The master device acts as an intermediary between the setting-up device and multiple slave devices. It receives parameters from the setting-up device, stores them temporarily, manages parameter distribution timing, and transfers parameters to slave devices sequentially, thereby coordinating the parameter setup process efficiently and safely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If individual parameter setup is performed for each slave device, then parameter configuration accuracy is improved, but operator safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter configuration accuracyVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the parameter setup operations for multiple slave devices into a single centralized operation. The master device collects parameters for all slave devices simultaneously, stores them in its storage unit, and distributes them in one batch, eliminating the need for individual PC connections to each slave device and dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining configuration accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The master device acts as an intermediary between the setting-up device and multiple slave devices. It receives parameters from the setting-up device, stores them temporarily, manages parameter distribution timing, and transfers parameters to slave devices sequentially, thereby coordinating the parameter setup process efficiently and safely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If parameters are stored in slave devices, then device autonomy is improved, but maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice autonomyVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master device serves as a central intermediary for parameter management. It stores parameters in its own storage unit, manages the parameter lifecycle including distribution and updates, and coordinates with slave devices through standardized communication. This centralization simplifies maintenance operations while slave devices retain autonomy for local parameter storage and execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The master device performs multiple functions: it acts as a setting-up device for receiving parameters, as a storage unit for keeping parameters, as a distribution hub for transferring parameters to slave devices, and as a coordination center for managing parameter updates. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate maintenance operations at each slave device location

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240184263A1Effective slave parameter management method and device of communication-based control system

Publication Date: 2024.06.06 LS ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for managing a parameter of a communication-based master-slave control system, and has an effect of storing and applying parameters of all slave devices in a non-volatile memory in a master device, thereby enabling the slave devices to be set-up in a position where an operator is difficult to access or dangerous by a parameter stored in the master device, thereby simplifying maintenance of the slave devices and ensuring safety of a user.