Output Device Logical Linking for Multi-Controller Actuator Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation systems with Profinet I/O standard struggle to control actuators using a mixture of output data from different controllers without a pilot control, limiting flexibility and compatibility in process automation applications.
Innovation Solution
An automation system comprising a first and second controller connected via a fieldbus to an output device with submodules, where the output device logically links output data from both controllers, providing diagnostic feedback and allowing multiple controllers to control actuators, while maintaining compliance with Profinet standards through a parameterized device model and operating mode switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a local controller is used to enable multiple controllers to control actuators, then controller compatibility and flexibility are improved, but system complexity and additional hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control logic from a separate local controller and integrates it directly into the output device. The output device now contains the functionality to receive and evaluate output data from multiple controllers internally, eliminating the need for an additional local controller hardware component while maintaining the ability to handle multiple controller inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The output device is designed with multi-functional capability to directly handle outputs from multiple different controllers simultaneously. It incorporates universal evaluation logic that can process various controller output formats and protocols, making the output device itself a multi-functional component that combines previously separate functions of controller interface and actuator control.
2Device complexity
If output data from multiple controllers are directly connected to actuators, then system simplicity is improved, but control coordination and safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The output device serves as an intermediary component between multiple controllers and actuators. It receives output data from multiple controllers, performs centralized evaluation and coordination of these data according to control rules, and then generates coordinated control signals to the actuators. This intermediary function ensures safe and coordinated control while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The output device incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the state of actuators and the consistency of control commands. It evaluates output data from multiple controllers in real-time, detects potential conflicts or unsafe states, and adjusts the control signals accordingly to maintain safe and coordinated actuator operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If submodules are clearly assigned to single controllers per Profinet standard, then standard compliance is improved, but multi-controller actuator control capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The output device is segmented into multiple submodules, each clearly assigned to a specific controller in accordance with Profinet standard requirements. This segmentation maintains standard compliance by establishing clear one-to-one mappings between submodules and controllers for configuration and diagnostics purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
While submodules are individually assigned to single controllers, the output device merges the control paths at the evaluation stage. Multiple submodules receiving data from different controllers are combined within the output device's evaluation logic, enabling coordinated control of shared actuators while maintaining the modular assignment structure required by Profinet standards.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The system has an output device (10) connected to two controllers through a field bus. The controllers include two interconnection informations, which define an assignment between the controllers and sub-modules of a module (11) of the output device. The sub-modules accept two output data from the controllers. The module is designed as to link to a set of outputs for control of actuators. The module includes a logical linkage device logically linking one of the output data with another output data such that logically-linked output data is provided for the outputs to control the actuators.