Modular Exhaust Gas Treatment Control for Variable Apparatus Counts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional exhaust gas treatment systems with multiple treatment apparatuses require changes in controller configuration whenever the number of apparatuses is increased or decreased, and the interlock system needs adjustment, making standardization impossible.

Innovation Solution

A controller system comprising multiple sub-controllers for individual treatment apparatus control and a main controller for comprehensive control, with integrated power supply and interlock systems, allowing for standardized operation regardless of apparatus count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single controller is used to control multiple treatment apparatuses, then the system can be simplified, but the controller configuration must be changed every time the number of treatment apparatuses is increased or decreased, making standardization impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontroller configurationVSAvoidadaptability to varying numbers of treatment apparatuses
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is divided into a main controller and multiple sub-controllers, where the main controller provides standardized power supply and communication interfaces, while sub-controllers are added or removed based on the number of treatment apparatuses. This segmentation allows the main controller to remain standardized while the overall system adapts to different configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main controller is designed with universal power supply and communication interfaces that can accommodate any number of sub-controllers. The standardized connection interfaces and modular architecture enable the main controller to universally support different numbers of treatment apparatuses without requiring configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the interlock system is integrated into the controller, then safety is ensured, but the controller configuration must be adjusted whenever the number of treatment apparatuses changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of exhaust gas treatment systemVSAvoidcontroller configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interlock system is segmented and distributed to each sub-controller, which independently monitors abnormalities in its corresponding treatment apparatus. Each sub-controller includes its own interlock function, eliminating the need to reconfigure a centralized interlock system when the number of apparatuses changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each sub-controller autonomously performs interlock monitoring and emergency response for its associated treatment apparatus. This self-service approach to safety monitoring allows each module to independently maintain safety without requiring system-wide reconfiguration when apparatuses are added or removed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sub-controllers are used for individual treatment apparatus control, then standardization is achieved, but the overall system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandardization of controller configurationVSAvoidoverall system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sub-controllers are merged into a unified system through the main controller, which provides centralized power supply and communication coordination. This merging approach allows individual sub-controllers to remain simple and standardized while achieving system-level functionality through their integration with the main controller.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The main controller acts as an intermediary between the external environment and multiple sub-controllers, handling power distribution and communication protocols. This intermediary role simplifies connections to treatment apparatuses while allowing sub-controllers to maintain standardized, simple configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4700822A1Control device and control method for exhaust gas treatment system
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 EBARA CORP
  • EP4700822A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4700822A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4700822A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a controller and a controlling method for controlling an operation of an exhaust gas treatment system having multiple treatment apparatuses. The controller (6) for controlling an operation of the exhaust gas treatment system (1) having the multiple treatment apparatuses (2A to 2C), the controller (6) includes: multiple sub-controllers (8A to 8C) corresponding to the multiple treatment apparatuses (2A to 2C) and configured to individually control operations of the multiple treatment apparatuses (2A to 2C); and a main controller (7) electrically coupled to the multiple sub-controllers (8A to 8C), wherein the main controller (7) includes: a power source (10) configured to supply power to the multiple sub-controllers (8A to 8C); and a comprehensive controller (11) configured to comprehensively control the operations of the multiple treatment apparatuses (8A to 8C), and each of the multiple sub-controllers (8A to 8C) includes an individual controller (13) electrically coupled to a device (3, 4) configured to operate a corresponding treatment apparatus (2A, 2B, or 2C).