Name-Based Device Setup for Decentralized Industrial Plants

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of industrial plants with decentralized topologies is complex, especially when multiple devices are involved, and programming controllers is time-consuming due to numerous I/O addresses, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.

Innovation Solution

A method for computer-aided setup of master elements and devices using device-specific names that semantically indicate their function, allowing for automated configuration and programming, reducing the need for manual assignment and I/O address usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If decentralized topology is used with multiple devices, then system flexibility and ease of installation are improved, but installation complexity and programming time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-identification and self-configuration of devices through device-specific names. When devices are connected, they automatically transmit their names to master elements and control devices, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing installation complexity while maintaining system flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Device-specific names are assigned to devices before installation based on their functions and properties. This preliminary assignment of meaningful names allows the system to automatically configure communication and control without requiring manual programming during installation, reducing both installation complexity and programming time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If device-specific names are used instead of I/O addresses, then programming time and manual effort are reduced, but system configuration complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogramming timeVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/address-based configuration system with a name-based system. Instead of manually assigning and managing numerical I/O addresses, the system uses intuitive device-specific names that automatically transmit through the network, significantly reducing programming time and manual configuration effort without increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the fundamental parameter used for device identification from numerical I/O addresses to semantic device-specific names. This parameter change transforms the configuration process from manual address assignment to automatic name-based identification, reducing programming time while the standardized implementation keeps configuration complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4614244A1Method for computer-assisted master element and/or device setup
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 MURR ELEKTRONIK GMBH
  • EP4614244A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4614244A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4614244A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for computer-aided master element and/or device setup for an installation of an industrial plant (1), in particular an electrical machine and/or an industrial automation plant.