Policy-Driven Automation Configuration for Runtime Machine Reassignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial automation systems lack flexibility and are costly due to their inflexible nature, requiring significant engineering efforts and downtime for reconfiguration, especially when changes in hardware or production processes occur, leading to delays and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that allows for automated generation of automation system configurations based on policies, using a control module and policy handler rule engine to select and trigger machines capable of performing specific automation skills during runtime, enabling flexible and adaptive behavior without the need for extensive reprogramming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automation systems use hard-wired hardware bound with software in a particular configuration at engineering phase, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration capabilities that allow the automation system to change its hardware-software binding during runtime. The configuration system enables operators to reassign automation functions to different hardware components without reprogramming, making the previously static hard-wired system adaptable to changes in production requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows operators to modify configuration parameters such as hardware assignments, automation function mappings, and operational parameters through a user interface. These parameter changes enable the system to adapt to new requirements without affecting the underlying reliable hardware architecture or requiring programming expertise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If automation systems require engineering phase configuration for any changes, then system stability is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static configuration process into a dynamic runtime operation. Operators can reconfigure automation assignments, change hardware mappings, and adjust system behavior during production without stopping the system or entering engineering mode, thereby maintaining stability while improving responsiveness to changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service configuration capabilities through an operator interface that allows non-engineers to perform reconfiguration tasks. Operators can independently adjust system parameters and reassign functions without requiring programming expertise or system shutdown, enabling rapid adaptation while maintaining system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If automation systems are reconfigured by stopping operation for re-engineering, then configuration accuracy is improved, but loss of time worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables configuration changes to be made dynamically during runtime without requiring system shutdown. The configuration system allows operators to modify hardware assignments and automation mappings while the system continues to operate, eliminating downtime while maintaining configuration accuracy through validated change procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary validation and checking of configuration changes before applying them to ensure accuracy. The configuration interface guides operators through proper procedures and validates changes beforehand, preventing errors while allowing immediate implementation without shutdown, thus achieving both accuracy and continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If automation functions are implemented in a proprietary manner with vendor-specific programming languages, then device compatibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a proprietary configuration interface as an intermediary layer between operators and the underlying vendor-specific automation functions. This interface provides standardized, vendor-agnostic commands and parameters that translate to the appropriate proprietary protocols, allowing operators to configure diverse hardware without needing to learn multiple programming languages or protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240255921A1Policy-based engineering for industrial automation

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

Industrial automation systems are often inflexible, which can result in delays or downtimes that are costly and inconvenient. In particular, it is recognized herein that the engineering phase of automation system implementation currently represents a significant portion of the overall cost of an automation system. As described herein, automation system configurations can be automatically generated in accordance with various policies that can be implemented at runtime.