PLC Program Transfer via Mobile Adapter and Cloud Update
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating and maintaining programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are complex and costly, requiring local programming software, memory cards, or remote networking functions, which are not feasible for all PLCs, especially those with limited functions and no networking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using an adapter that connects to a PLC and a mobile terminal, allowing for wireless communication with a cloud server to download and transmit programs and parameters, simplifying the operation by eliminating the need for local programming software and memory cards, and enabling remote updates through a mobile application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If local programming software and wired connections (USB/serial port) are used to transmit program and parameter to PLC, then reliable program transmission is achieved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile terminal as an intermediary device between the user and the PLC. The mobile terminal establishes a wireless connection with the PLC and serves as a mediator for program and parameter transmission, eliminating the need for complex wired connections and dedicated programming software while maintaining reliable transmission
2Ease of operation
If remote connection function is built into PLC for remote operation, then remote program update is enabled, but PLC cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the mobile terminal as an intermediary that provides remote connection capabilities. Instead of building networking functions directly into the PLC, the mobile terminal acts as a remote interface that wirelessly communicates with the PLC, enabling remote operation without increasing PLC complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile terminal serves multiple functions: it acts as a programming device, a communication interface, and a user interface all in one. This universal device replaces multiple specialized devices (programming software, wired connections, networking modules) that would otherwise be needed
3Quantity of substance
If memory card is used to store and transmit program to PLC, then program storage is achieved, but operation steps and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically inserting and removing memory cards with a wireless electronic transmission system. The mobile terminal establishes a wireless connection with the PLC and transmits programs directly, eliminating the manual operations of card insertion, PLC power-on, and data transfer that consume time
4Manufacturing precision
If dedicated PLC programming software is installed on computer for local operation, then precise program control is achieved, but cost and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential programming and communication functions from the complex dedicated PLC programming software environment and implements them directly on the mobile terminal. This extraction eliminates the need for separate computer software while maintaining the core functionality of program creation and transmission
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method, device, and system for transmitting a program and parameter to a PLC. An adapter connecting to a port of a PLC allows an operator to simply (i) log in on a cloud server with use of a mobile terminal on which an APP is installed, (ii) download a written program or parameter, and (iii) transmit the program or parameter directly to the adapter wirelessly to transmit the program or parameter to the PLC via the adapter. An alternative embodiment may be arranged such that the cloud server transmits, to an APP of the mobile terminal over a mobile network, an instruction on what data to sample and that the APP accesses the PLC via the adapter, obtains the data, and feeds back the data to the cloud server. This simplifies the operation for updating and maintaining a program and/or parameter of a PLC and reduces costs.