Peer-Level Configuration Backup for Industrial Automation Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face challenges in efficiently managing device configuration files during component replacements, leading to lengthy processes and opportunities for operator error, as existing systems rely on intermediary control systems that can cause communication delays and loss of configuration data.
Innovation Solution
A peer-to-peer communication network within industrial automation systems where network devices store and share backup device configuration files, enabling self-healing capabilities by automatically transmitting backup files when a device configuration is lost or incomplete, allowing devices to operate independently of intermediary control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intermediary control systems are used to manage device configuration files, then centralized control and monitoring are achieved, but communication latencies increase and configuration data may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a peer-to-peer communication mechanism that acts as an intermediary solution between devices, allowing them to directly exchange configuration files without relying on the central intermediary control system. This resolves the contradiction by providing a direct communication path that reduces latency while maintaining data integrity through verified transmission protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the centralized configuration management function into distributed peer-to-peer communication capabilities across multiple devices. Each device becomes capable of independently storing, transmitting, and verifying configuration files, eliminating the single point of failure and communication bottleneck represented by the central control system.
2Reliability
If traditional replacement processes are used, then proper configuration management is maintained, but the process becomes lengthy and introduces opportunities for operator error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities where devices automatically detect configuration needs, request and receive appropriate configuration files from peers, and verify successful installation without human intervention. This eliminates operator error while accelerating the replacement process, as the system performs configuration management tasks autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares backup configuration files in advance and stores them across multiple peer devices before replacement is needed. When a device fails or needs replacement, the pre-prepared configuration files are already available for immediate transmission, eliminating the time-consuming process of creating configurations during replacement while ensuring accuracy through pre-verification.
3Reliability
If devices store backup configuration files locally, then self-healing capability is improved, but device memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the local backup storage capability with the peer-to-peer network, creating a distributed backup system where each device contributes its storage capacity to a collective backup pool. This allows devices to maintain self-healing capability while sharing the storage burden across the network, reducing individual device memory requirements while preserving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this present disclosure may include a system that includes a first network device. The first network device may perform an operation according to a device configuration file. The system may also include a second network device that directly communicatively couples to the first network device through a peer-to-peer (P-P) communication network. The second network device may include a backup file of the device configuration file. The second network device may transmit the backup file of the device configuration file to the first network device in response to detecting that the first network device is lacking the device configuration file.