Production Device Interfaces for Plug-and-Automate Network Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing production networks are labor-intensive to change and adapt, limiting flexibility in industrial automation, particularly in cyber-physical production systems where coordination between production and communication networks is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize multiple interfaces - physical, cyber-physical, and communication interfaces - to facilitate flexible adaptation of production networks by exchanging data on physical and production service properties, enabling automatic extraction of network requirements and plug-and-automate behavior, allowing for efficient integration and upgrading of production devices without explicit configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If production networks are changed or adapted, then flexibility and adaptability improve, but labor intensity and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic extraction of network requirements from production service properties without human intervention. Production devices automatically advertise their service properties, and the network controller automatically configures communication parameters, eliminating the need for manual coordination and reducing labor intensity while maintaining high adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
Network requirements are extracted and communication parameters are configured in advance based on production service properties before actual production operations begin. This preliminary configuration enables rapid adaptation when production networks change, as the system is already prepared with pre-established communication pathways and parameters
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces are used for data exchange, then production flexibility and service capability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface is designed to handle multiple functions through a single unified mechanism. It can exchange both production service properties and physical properties, establish service advertisements, and configure network parameters all through one interface, eliminating the need for separate specialized interfaces while maintaining full service capability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple interface functions are merged into a single communication interface that handles both production service data exchange and network configuration. The interface combines service advertisement, property exchange, and network parameter configuration into one unified communication channel, reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for use in production, which offers at least one production service or is connectable to a device offering a production service comprising a physical interface across which data in relation to at least one physical property are exchanged with at least one other device; further comprising a cyber physical interface across which data in relation to production service properties are exchanged with at least one other device; and comprising a communication interface across which at least one communication link having defined communication properties can be established. The invention further relates to a corresponding method.