Modular Safety Switch Configuration Using Automated Module Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration process of modular safety switching apparatuses is often complex and time-consuming, requiring specialized knowledge and manual assembly, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A software-based configuration tool with a graphic user interface automates the selection and assembly of electronic modules, generating a configuration data set and wiring diagram to simplify the process, allowing users to specify safety functions and logic requirements without expert knowledge, and ensuring correct module placement and connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration and assembly of electronic modules is performed, then specialized knowledge and expertise are required to ensure correct configuration, but the configuration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical configuration process with an automated software-based configuration tool. The tool automatically selects, configures, and assembles electronic modules based on user requirements, eliminating the need for specialized manual configuration expertise while significantly reducing configuration time. The automated tool generates configuration data sets and wiring diagrams without requiring expert intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration tool enables self-service configuration by allowing users to specify their safety function requirements through a simplified interface, and the system automatically performs the complex configuration tasks. Users don't need specialized knowledge - the system serves itself by automatically selecting appropriate modules and generating the complete configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual assembly of electronic modules is performed, then flexibility in module selection is maintained, but the risk of errors increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual assembly with automated assembly processes guided by software. The system automatically selects from a library of electronic modules based on configuration requirements and guides the physical assembly process, maintaining flexibility in module selection while dramatically improving assembly efficiency and reducing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration tool performs preliminary selection and configuration of electronic modules before the physical assembly process. By pre-determining the exact modules needed and their configuration parameters, the system eliminates errors during assembly and streamlines the physical assembly process, improving overall productivity.
3Reliability
If complex logic operations are implemented in modular safety switching apparatus, then desired safety functions are achieved, but the configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a software-based configuration tool as an intermediary between the user and the complex modular safety switching apparatus. The tool handles the complexity of logic operations and module configuration internally, presenting a simplified interface to users while ensuring correct implementation of safety functions. The configuration tool translates user requirements into the complex configuration needed for AND logic operations and safety functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration tool uses pre-defined configuration templates and data structures to represent complex safety function configurations. By copying and adapting standardized configuration patterns rather than creating configurations from scratch, the system maintains reliability in implementing complex logic operations while reducing the apparent complexity for users.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a modular safety switching apparatus having a plurality of electronic modules arranged in at least one module row, comprises: selecting, via a graphic user interface of a software-based configuration tool, a number of safety functions of the safety switching apparatus and logic requirements to be met by the safety switching apparatus; generating a configuration of the safety switching apparatus via the configuration tool by automated selection of the electronic modules from a plurality of types of electronic modules in order to implement the selected safety functions of the safety switching apparatus and logic requirements to be met by the safety switching apparatus; and storing the configuration of the safety switching apparatus as a configuration data set in a configuration database.