PLC Drive Control Device Parameter Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive control devices with embedded PLC functions require separate development and revision of PLC application programs for each drive control unit due to differing control parameters, leading to poor reuse efficiency of program assets and increased development costs.

Innovation Solution

A PLC function incorporating drive control device with a control parameter information storage unit that temporarily stores control parameters, allowing for standardized transfer between the PLC and drive control units, reducing the need for direct data transfer and enabling common use of existing PLC application programs across various drive control units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a drive control arithmetic unit directly transfers control parameters to and from the drive control unit in a PLC function incorporating drive control device, then the control can be executed efficiently, but the control parameters differ in accordance with each control target, requiring fabrication of a drive control arithmetic unit for each drive control unit, increasing device complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol execution efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of drive control arithmetic units
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal drive control arithmetic unit that can control multiple different drive control units through a standardized interface. The control parameter information storage unit stores parameters in a unified format that can be adapted to various control targets, eliminating the need to fabricate separate arithmetic units for each drive control unit while maintaining efficient control execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control parameter information storage unit acts as an intermediary between the drive control arithmetic unit and multiple drive control units. It standardizes the interface by storing control parameters in a unified format, allowing a single arithmetic unit to communicate efficiently with various drive control units without requiring custom fabrication for each one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If PLC application programs are embedded in a PLC function incorporating drive control device, then integration is achieved, but revision is necessary to carry out data transfer from the drive control arithmetic unit, resulting in poor reuse efficiency of past program assets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of PLC and drive controlVSAvoidprogram asset reuse efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal data transfer interface through the control parameter information storage unit that works with existing PLC application programs. By standardizing the parameter storage format and access method, existing programs can be reused across different drive control units without revision, while still achieving integrated control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control parameter information storage unit is pre-configured with a standardized structure that anticipates various control targets. This preliminary setup allows existing PLC application programs to operate without modification, as the standardized interface already exists to handle data transfer from the drive control arithmetic unit to multiple drive control units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate PLC and drive control devices are used, then flexibility is maintained, but system size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidsystem size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the PLC function and drive control functions into a single integrated device. The control parameter information storage unit serves as a shared resource between the PLC arithmetic unit and the drive control arithmetic unit, allowing both functions to operate within one device rather than requiring separate connected devices, thereby reducing system size while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3206299B1Built-in PLC function type drive control device
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 FUJI ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3206299B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3206299B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3206299B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A PLC function incorporating drive control device having a drive control unit that uses an inverter to control a load such as a motor, a PLC unit that executes a PLC function, a control parameter identifier setting region in which is stored a control parameter identifier, and a control parameter storage region in which a value of a control parameter is temporarily stored, wherein the drive control unit includes a control parameter exchange control unit that reads a value of a control parameter corresponding to an identifier specified as a read target in the control parameter identifier setting region from a control parameter of the drive control unit and writes the value into the control parameter storage region, and reads an update value of a control parameter corresponding to an identifier specified as a write target in the control parameter identifier setting region from the control parameter storage region and writes the update value into a control parameter of the drive control unit.