Remote Interface Actuation for Secure Non-Networked Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing production equipment units that are not networked pose challenges for remote operation due to the need for physical inputs and the security risks associated with network connectivity, which can lead to hacking and unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a chassis, actuators, and a selector that can be temporarily or permanently installed on non-networked production equipment units to translate virtual inputs from a remote operator into physical actions, while incorporating security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If production equipment units are networked to enable remote operation, then remote accessibility is improved, but security risks increase due to potential hacking and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote interface device as an intermediary between the remote operator and the production equipment. This device physically connects to the equipment's local interface, allowing remote operators to interact with equipment without direct network connectivity to the equipment itself, thus enabling remote operation while maintaining security isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the control architecture into distinct components: a remote interface device that interfaces with the equipment locally, and a remote computing device that operates independently. This segmentation allows the equipment to remain non-networked while still enabling remote operation through the localized interface device
2Reliability
If production equipment units remain non-networked to maintain security, then security risks are reduced, but remote operation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The remote interface device serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between physical equipment and remote operators. It captures inputs from remote operators and translates them into physical actions at the equipment's interface, enabling remote operation without requiring the equipment itself to be networked
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual representation of the equipment's interface at the remote location. The remote computing device displays a replica of the equipment interface, allowing operators to interact with a copy of the interface remotely while the actual physical interface remains localized and secure
3Ease of operation
If a remote interface device is installed on production equipment units to enable remote operation, then remote accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote interface device is designed to be universally compatible with multiple types of production equipment. It can interface with various equipment through standardized connections and supports multiple operators simultaneously, reducing the need for equipment-specific custom solutions and thereby managing complexity
4Productivity
If multiple remote operators access the same production equipment unit simultaneously, then productivity is improved through concurrent operation, but coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control interface into multiple independent remote computing devices, each with its own display and input capabilities. This allows multiple operators to work simultaneously on the same equipment without sharing a single interface, reducing coordination complexity while maintaining productivity benefits
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a system includes: a chassis located over a physical user interface of a production equipment unit that includes a set of physical input fields; a set of actuators coupled to the chassis; a selector manipulated by the set of actuators and interfacing with the set of physical input fields; a communication module configured to receive a command—corresponding to a virtual input entered by a remote operator at a virtual user interface representing the physical user interface and depicted within an operator portal remote from the production equipment unit—during a procedure at the production equipment unit; and a controller configured to: drive the set of actuators according to the command to manipulate the selector across a physical input field on the physical user interface and thus physically reproduce the virtual input at the physical user interface of the production equipment unit.