Removable Connection Socket for Machine Control Reconfiguration

Solution Overview

Problem

Current control systems for machines in modular automation plants require extensive downtime and reconfiguration when modifications are made, as they need an external input device to update configuration data, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A control system with a separable connection unit containing non-volatile memory and a USB connection, allowing for easy transfer and storage of configuration data, enabling rapid reconfiguration without an external device, and featuring a real-time clock with independent power supply for maintaining plant information during control changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If configuration data are stored in the control using an external input device, then the control can be configured with modification data, but the plant requires longer downtime and on-site configuration is necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconfigurabilityVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the configuration data storage function from the main control unit and places it in a separate, removable connection socket. This allows the configuration data to be physically separated from the control, enabling the socket to be removed and transferred to a new control unit without requiring on-site reconfiguration or causing plant downtime. The connection socket acts as a portable carrier that can be easily moved between different control units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing configuration data in the connection socket before control unit replacement occurs. The configuration data are loaded into the removable socket in advance, so when the control unit needs to be replaced, the socket can be simply transferred to the new control unit without requiring any on-site configuration activities, thus eliminating downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If configuration data are stored in the control, then the control can recognize connected signal generators and machines, but a new implementation of configuration data is necessary on change of control

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverecognizabilityVSAvoidconfiguration effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the configuration data storage function from the main control unit and places it in a separate, removable connection socket. This allows the configuration data to be physically separated from the control, enabling the socket to be removed and transferred to a new control unit without requiring on-site reconfiguration or causing plant downtime. The connection socket acts as a portable carrier that can be easily moved between different control units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements copying by using the removable connection socket as a portable template that contains the configuration data. When replacing a control unit, the socket with the configuration data is simply transferred to the new control unit, effectively copying the configuration settings without requiring manual re-entry or complex setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If an external input device is connected to update configuration data, then the control can be modified, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemodifiabilityVSAvoidconfiguration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the configuration data storage function from the main control unit and places it in a separate, removable connection socket. This allows the configuration data to be physically separated from the control, enabling the socket to be removed and transferred to a new control unit without requiring on-site reconfiguration or causing plant downtime. The connection socket acts as a portable carrier that can be easily moved between different control units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the connection socket to autonomously carry and transfer configuration data between control units without requiring external input devices or complex configuration processes. The socket itself serves as the configuration medium, eliminating the need for computers, programming tools, or skilled technicians to perform time-consuming configuration tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10394576B2Control for the safe control of at least one machine

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 SICK AG

AI summary

To enable a fast configuration of a control or of a total plant, a control for the safe control of at least one machine is provided having at least one input unit for receiving input signals from at least one signal generator; having at least one output unit for outputting output signals to the at least one machine; having a control unit for generating the output signals in dependence on the input signals; and having a connection unit having at least one connection socket for connecting an external input device that can be used or configuring the control, wherein the connection unit has at least one connection terminal for connecting the signal generators and/or the machine and is separable from the control and wherein the connection socket can be removed from the connection unit or from the control and comprises a memory with configuration data of the control.