Shared Memory Architecture for Trip Unit Data Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power equipment protection systems require direct connections between trip units for data sharing, increasing complexity in installation, configuration, and maintenance due to the need for additional hardware like signal repeaters and splitters.

Innovation Solution

A shared memory architecture where trip units communicate with a central shared memory device via a network, allowing operation data to be stored and retrieved without direct connections between units, simplifying the network architecture and reducing system components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If trip units are directly connected to share data, then data sharing capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional hardware requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata sharing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A shared memory device is introduced as an intermediary component that trip units communicate with through a network. Instead of direct peer-to-peer connections, each trip unit accesses data from other trip units by reading from or writing to the shared memory device, which stores operation data from all trip units. This mediator approach enables comprehensive data sharing while maintaining simplified individual trip unit designs and reducing the need for complex direct connection infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If direct connections are used between trip units, then data transmission is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex installation and configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shared memory device serves as a centralized data repository that simplifies installation by eliminating the need for complex point-to-point wiring between trip units. Each trip unit connects to the shared memory device through a network interface, and data from any trip unit can be accessed by any other trip unit through standard network communications. This approach dramatically reduces installation complexity and configuration requirements compared to direct interconnections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If signal repeaters and splitters are added for data sharing, then data transmission between trip units is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to increased maintenance complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The shared memory device consolidates data storage and management functions into a single centralized component, eliminating the need for multiple signal repeaters and splitters distributed throughout the system. This centralization simplifies maintenance by providing a single point of failure management and data access. When data sharing issues occur, technicians can diagnose problems by checking the shared memory device and network connections rather than tracing complex signal paths through multiple intermediate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2453547B1Shared memory architecture for protection of electrical distribution equipment
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP2453547B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2453547B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2453547B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power equipment protection system (102) includes a plurality of trip units (134) including at least a first trip unit (136) and a second trip unit (138), wherein each of the plurality of trip units (134) is configured to monitor operation data. The system also includes a shared memory device (122) coupled to the plurality of trip units (134) via a network (114), wherein the shared memory device (122) is configured to transmit a synchronization request to at least the second trip unit (138), receive a response from the second trip unit (138), including operation data associated with the second trip unit (138), receive a data request from the first trip unit (136), and transmit the operation data associated with the second trip unit (138) to the first trip unit (136) via the network (114).