Modular Client Device for Switchgear Communication Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and effort required to replace devices in electrical switchgear or energy supply systems due to different addressing schemes from various manufacturers, leading to significant parameterization and testing efforts, as well as substantial downtime and costs.
Innovation Solution
A client device with a modular structure comprising server-independent and server-dependent modules, where the server-independent interface program module and server-dependent communication module are linked through reference information, allowing easy adaptation to new server devices with minimal effort, without requiring changes to other connected server devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices from different manufacturers are used in the system, then device functionality and protection capabilities are improved, but the addressing schemes differ causing complex parameterization and testing efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an addressing scheme conversion mechanism that acts as an intermediary between devices with different addressing schemes. This converter translates addresses from one manufacturer's scheme to another, enabling seamless communication without requiring complex reparameterization of all connected devices when a device is replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the addressing scheme into a standardized reference layer and manufacturer-specific implementation layers. By separating the universal address reference from manufacturer-specific mappings, the system allows individual device replacements without affecting the overall system configuration, reducing parameterization effort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device is replaced in the system, then system modernization and improved functionality are achieved, but all connected devices require reconfiguration and extensive testing
Solution Approach 1:
The addressing conversion mechanism serves as a mediator that absorbs the changes from device replacement. When a device is replaced, only the new device's addressing parameters need to be registered in the converter, while all other connected devices continue to operate without reconfiguration, minimizing system downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining a registry of addressing scheme conversions before device replacement occurs. This pre-established conversion framework allows for rapid integration of new devices without requiring system-wide reconfiguration and testing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device replacement is performed with traditional methods, then new devices can be integrated, but significant reconfiguration effort and organizational measures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The addressing conversion system acts as an intermediary that simplifies the device replacement procedure. It automatically handles the translation between different addressing schemes, reducing the replacement process to simple device connection and basic parameter registration, without requiring complex reconfiguration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting and adapting to new devices through the addressing conversion mechanism. The converter autonomously manages the translation between addressing schemes without requiring manual intervention for reconfiguration, making the replacement process straightforward.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to, inter alia, an appliance (30a, 30b) for protecting, controlling or monitoring an electrical switchgear or energy supply system. Said appliance can be configured as a client appliance and is used for communication with an associated server appliance (20a, 20b, 20c). According to the invention, the client appliance (30a) comprises a server-independent operating program module (310), a server-independent interface program module (320) linked to the operating program module, and a server-dependent communication module (330) describing the addressing mode of the server appliance (20a, 20b, 20c). A reference instruction (B) establishing a connection between the interface program module (320) and the communication module (330) is inputted into the interface program module(320) and/or the communication module (330), enabling communication between the operating program module (310) and the communication module (330) by switching the interface program module.