Software-Defined Networking for Real-Time Manufacturing Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing systems face challenges in adaptability and precision due to the need for frequent changes in product sequences and faster product cycles, requiring process facilities to operate in different orders and ways, while also needing to achieve real-time capabilities for precise manufacturing steps.
Innovation Solution
A process device with a network module for time-sensitive networking and a memory module that enables software-defined networking, allowing for virtual topologies that can change dynamically, enabling real-time capable and versatile manufacturing systems without the need for physical reconfiguration of networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical network reconfiguration is used to change production sequences, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to physical reconfiguration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the network topology that can be reconfigured independently of the physical network. Virtual topology data structures represent logical connections between process devices, allowing sequence changes to be implemented through software rather than physical reconfiguration. This copying approach enables rapid adaptability without the time penalty of moving physical cables or hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical network reconfiguration system with a software-based virtual networking system. Instead of physically moving cables, switches, or network devices to change production sequences, the system uses software-defined networking to dynamically reconfigure virtual topologies. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming physical reconfiguration while maintaining full adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical network reconfiguration is implemented for different product cycles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to reconfiguration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By creating virtual copies of the network topology, the patent separates the logical network structure from the physical infrastructure. The virtual topology data structures can be independently modified to support different product cycles and production sequences without changing the physical network devices or their complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual networking system provides a universal platform that can support multiple production sequences and product cycles through software configuration alone. A single physical network infrastructure can serve multiple functions and configurations by dynamically creating different virtual topologies, eliminating the need for multiple specialized physical network setups.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time capabilities are implemented for precise manufacturing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to real-time networking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hardware-based real-time networking mechanisms with software-defined virtual networking. The virtual topology implementation uses software protocols and data structures to achieve precise timing and synchronization required for manufacturing precision, without requiring complex real-time hardware modifications or specialized real-time network equipment.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Process unit 2 for carrying out a sub-step in a manufacturing plant 1, with a network module for establishing a time-sensitive networking connection, with a storage module, wherein the storage module includes administration shell data 14, wherein the administration shell data 14 includes virtual topology data 21 for a software-defined networking.