Network Opening Method for Robot Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In manufacturing systems using robots, constructing and opening both information and control networks simultaneously is time-consuming and prone to delays, especially when system configurations change, due to the need for individual address settings for each robot controller.
Innovation Solution
A method that opens the information network by setting TCP/IP conditions in each robot controller, designates an address range for the control network, and sets addresses based on an allocation rule, allowing for simultaneous restart and opening of the control network, with common baud rate and byte settings applied across all controllers within the designated range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conditions for multiple networks are set individually in each robot controller, then each controller can communicate properly on both networks, but the time required to open the networks increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network configuration process into two distinct phases: first configuring the information network individually in each robot controller, then configuring the control network collectively through a controller group. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, reducing overall configuration time while maintaining proper communication on both networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller group as an intermediary entity that manages the control network configuration for multiple robot controllers simultaneously. This intermediary allows centralized configuration of control network conditions, eliminating the need to manually configure each controller individually and significantly reducing network opening time.
2Reliability
If individual settings are performed for each robot controller on multiple networks, then proper communication is established, but the complexity of the configuration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration process is divided into separate manageable segments: information network configuration at the individual controller level, and control network configuration at the group level. This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity by breaking down the daunting task of configuring multiple networks across multiple controllers into distinct, organized phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller group acts as an intermediary that simplifies the configuration process by providing a centralized interface for managing control network settings across multiple controllers. This intermediary abstraction layer hides the complexity of individual controller configurations while ensuring proper communication setup.
3Adaptability or versatility
If system configuration changes are made, then the manufacturing system can adapt to new requirements, but the time required to re-open networks causes delays in system startup
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting network configuration into information network and control network phases, the system enables faster reconfiguration when system requirements change. The controller group mechanism allows bulk configuration updates without requiring individual controller access, significantly reducing startup delays when adapting to new system configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller group intermediary enables efficient system reconfiguration by allowing centralized updates to control network settings across multiple controllers simultaneously. This intermediary mechanism maintains adaptability while minimizing the time required to re-establish network communications during system startup or configuration changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of opening a network in a manufacturing system, the system including a plurality of robots, a plurality of robot controllers individually controlling the robots and a plurality of networks connecting the robot controllers with each other. The method includes the steps of opening a first network to the plurality of robot controllers, by setting, in each of the plurality of robot controllers, conditions, including addresses, required for opening the first network; designating an address range prepared in the first network for robot controllers to which a second network is opened and which is selected from among the plurality of robot controllers; and opening the second network to the robot controllers addressed within the address range designated in the first network, by setting, through the first network, conditions required for opening the second network.