PLC Application Manager for Autonomous Function Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing programmable logic controllers (PLCs) require manual intervention for adding or removing functionality, leading to system downtime and economic losses due to the need for physical resources and manual processes.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows PLCs to autonomously pull and push functionality from a remote application repository, using an application manager and marketplace client to request, identify, and transfer necessary applications, enabling on-demand addition or removal of functionality without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual intervention is used to add functionality to PLC, then functionality can be added, but system downtime occurs and physical resources are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality additionVSAvoidsystem downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The PLC system performs self-updating by automatically detecting functionality requirements, querying the application repository, downloading necessary applications, and installing them without human intervention. The application manager autonomously manages the entire process from requirement detection to functionality deployment, enabling the system to service itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Applications are pre-stored in a remote repository before being needed. When the PLC requires new functionality, the application manager queries the repository and downloads the necessary applications in advance, preparing them for immediate execution without causing system downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual processes are used to update PLC functionality, then changes can be pushed, but trained users must be physically present at the PLC location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality updateVSAvoidphysical resource requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The PLC system autonomously manages its own functionality updates by querying the application repository, selecting appropriate applications, and installing them without requiring physical presence of trained users. The application manager handles all operations remotely through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The application manager acts as an intermediary between the PLC and the remote application repository, automating the functionality update process. This intermediary component eliminates the need for human operators to physically connect workstations to the PLC for downloading and installing new functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If access to PLC is granted for manual updates, then functionality can be pushed, but system downtime occurs leading to economic losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality deploymentVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The PLC system autonomously deploys new functionality by querying the application repository and installing applications without requiring system downtime. The entire process occurs in the background with automatic resource management, maintaining continuous operation and eliminating economic losses from downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Applications are prepared and staged in the repository before being deployed to the PLC. The application manager handles downloads and installations in advance or during non-critical periods, ensuring that functionality updates do not interrupt ongoing operations and maintain productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11474492B2Apparatus and method for autonomously adding and removing of functionality in programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

A system for autonomously providing functionality to a computerized control system includes a logic controller running a first computer application relating to an operations system and an application manager that receives requests for functionality from the first computer application. A remote marketplace client is in communication with the application manager and a remote marketplace that offers computer applications for providing a plurality of functionalities relating to the operations system. A computer application repository stores computer applications providing functionality of the operations system and responsive to receiving the request for functionality the application manager forwards the request to the remote marketplace client. The remote marketplace client queries the remote marketplace for the requested functionality and provides results of the query to the application manager. The application manager performs logic operations on the query results to identify an application to provide the requested functionality. The identified application is downloaded from the marketplace.