Safe I/O Module Configuration Using Combined Function Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current configuration processes for safe input/output modules in automation engineering are complex, requiring significant programming effort and lacking simplicity and reliability, which hinders the efficient integration of safety logic and increases the risk of errors in automation processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a configuration program with a graphical user interface to interconnect function blocks, forming combined blocks with logical connectives, allowing for simplified configuration of safety logic by selecting and activating function blocks to influence input and output signals, thereby reducing programming complexity and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional configuration processes are used for safe input/output modules, then safety logic can be integrated, but the programming effort is significant and the process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration process is segmented into modular function blocks that can be independently selected and combined. Each function block represents a discrete safety function that can be configured separately, reducing the overall complexity of the configuration process while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
A configuration program with graphical user interface acts as an intermediary between the user and the safety module hardware. This software mediator translates high-level configuration choices into detailed programming instructions, simplifying the user's task while ensuring proper safety logic implementation.
2Reliability
If traditional configuration processes are used for safe input/output modules, then safety logic can be integrated, but programming effort is significant
Solution Approach 1:
Standard safety function blocks are pre-configured with default parameters and logic. These pre-prepared building blocks can be directly selected and activated, eliminating the need to program safety logic from scratch and significantly reducing programming effort while maintaining safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple function blocks can be merged or interconnected to form combined function blocks that implement complex safety logic through composition of simpler, pre-configured functions. This reduces the overall programming effort by leveraging existing validated function blocks rather than creating new logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex configurations with multiple function blocks are implemented, then more comprehensive safety logic is achieved, but validation reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration program provides automated validation and feedback mechanisms that check the correctness of function block interconnections and parameters. This feedback system verifies configuration integrity and alerts users to potential errors, maintaining validation reliability even as configuration complexity increases.
Solution Approach 2:
Validated function block templates and configuration patterns can be copied and reused across different safety logic requirements. These proven templates have already been validated, ensuring reliability when deployed in new configurations without requiring re-validation of the underlying logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for configuring a hardware component, in particular of a configurable safe input/output module, includes using a configuration program that is designed to display a graphical user interface on a display apparatus that is connected to a data processing system, which user interface provides function blocks having inputs and outputs. By way of the method and the device, two function blocks can be interconnected so as to form a combined function block having at least one input and one output, at least one of the inputs or outputs of the first function block and at least one of the inputs or outputs of the second function block forming at least two of the inputs/outputs of the combined function block.