Modular Measurement Uncertainty Calculation for Flexible Plant Configurations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In flexible modular plants, calculating measurement uncertainties during design time is not possible when input values from multiple modular entities are combined, as the setup and measurement equipment configurations are not known at the design stage, leading to challenges in propagating and managing uncertainties.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that assign uncertainty information to each modular entity, allowing a computing unit to calculate output values and their associated uncertainties by propagating input value uncertainties, with the ability to update calculations based on changes in the arrangement of modular entities, using a calculation tree to identify contributing entities and provide engineering recommendations for reducing uncertainties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If uncertainty calculation is performed during design time for flexible modular plants, then measurement precision can be ensured, but the system cannot adapt to runtime configuration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic uncertainty calculation that adapts to runtime configuration changes. The system calculates uncertainties based on the actual runtime arrangement of modular entities rather than fixed design-time configurations. This allows the measurement precision to be maintained while adapting to different plant configurations during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns uncertainty information to each modular entity in advance (during configuration), but the actual uncertainty propagation and output value calculation is performed at runtime based on the actual configuration. This preliminary assignment of uncertainty data to entities enables both advance preparation and runtime adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular entities are dynamically reconfigured during runtime, then system flexibility is improved, but uncertainty propagation becomes complex and cannot be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uncertainty management by assigning uncertainty information to individual modular entities separately. Each entity has its own uncertainty characteristics stored in its configuration. This segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by breaking down the uncertainty propagation into manageable entity-level units that can be independently tracked and combined.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the computing unit with uncertainty propagation logic) that automatically handles the complex uncertainty calculations. This intermediary takes the configured uncertainty information from modular entities and automatically propagates it through the system according to the actual runtime configuration, relieving the complexity from manual management.
3Reliability
If uncertainty information is assigned to each modular entity, then output value reliability is improved, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning uncertainty information specifically to each modular entity where it is needed, rather than maintaining global uncertainty data for the entire system. Each entity has its own uncertainty characteristics in its configuration, allowing for targeted and efficient data processing that only handles relevant uncertainty information for each component.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing output values with associated uncertainties for a flexible modular plant or machine comprising an arrangement of modular entities, wherein uncertainty information associated with an operation of the modular entity is assigned to a plurality of modular entities and input values are provided based on an operation of the modular entities, where a computing unit calculates an output value based on said input values, calculates an input value uncertainty for each input value based on the uncertainty information of the modular entity, and calculates at least one output value uncertainty associated with the output value based on propagation of uncertainty and using the input value uncertainties, and where the output value and the at least one output value uncertainty are output.