Mediator-Based Machine Control Data Routing for Runtime Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control systems for industrial machines are inflexible, as machine-related data are typically defined during the design or production phase and cannot be dynamically changed during runtime, limiting the ability to expand or modify functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a mediator unit to manage and mediate data transmissions between client and provider units, allowing for dynamic access and modification of machine-related data, enabling flexible configuration and expansion of control systems during runtime through a hierarchically distributed architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If machine-related data are defined in advance during design or production phase, then the control system has stable and reliable operation, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot be dynamically changed during runtime
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into provider units (storing machine-related data), client units (accessing data), and a mediator unit (managing communications). This segmentation allows individual components to be modified independently during runtime without affecting the entire system, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A mediator unit is introduced as an intermediary between client units and provider units. The mediator manages all data transmissions and access requests, allowing dynamic configuration changes during runtime while maintaining stable and reliable data access operations through centralized control.
2Ease of operation
If a centralized architecture is used to manage data transmissions, then data access is simplified and reliable, but the system complexity increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality into distinct provider units and client units with a mediator unit coordinating between them. This segmentation simplifies data access operations for each unit while distributing system complexity across multiple independent components rather than concentrating it in a single complex unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data are stored in distributed provider units, then the system can be dynamically expanded during runtime, but the complexity of managing data transmissions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mediator unit serves as a central coordinator that simplifies data transmission management between distributed provider units and client units. It handles routing, access control, and communication protocols, allowing the system to be dynamically expanded during runtime without increasing the complexity of data transmission management for individual units.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for transmitting data in a control system of a machine, wherein the control system comprises a mediator unit, at least one client unit and at least one provider unit, wherein the mediator unit is respectively connected to the at least one client unit and to the at least one provider unit in a data-transmitting manner, wherein access paths to data stored in the at least one provider unit are stored in the mediator unit, wherein, in order to transmit data between a transmitting client unit of the at least one client unit and a receiver provider unit of the at least one provider unit, a message transmitted from the transmitting client unit is received by the mediator unit and is transmitted to the receiver provider unit on the basis of the stored access paths.