Smart Auto Reset for Digital Positioners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process control systems do not allow users to manually reset only tripped devices using a pushbutton or local control panel while allowing other devices to automatically reset, nor do they enable timed synchronized plant start-ups while preserving manual reset capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A process control device with a controller that includes remote and local trip initiation inputs, trip condition inputs, and reset inputs, which determines the trip source to automatically or manually generate device resets, and allows for timed synchronized start-ups by modifying latch behavior based on trip initiator sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic reset is enabled for all devices, then productivity is improved by reducing manual intervention, but ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot selectively reset only specific tripped devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the reset function by device and trip source. Each process control device can be independently configured to accept either automatic or manual reset based on its specific trip conditions. The controller identifies the trip source (remote vs. local) and routes the reset command accordingly, allowing selective reset of individual devices while maintaining system-wide automation capability.
2Ease of operation
If manual reset is required for all devices, then ease of operation is improved by giving users full control, but productivity deteriorates due to increased manual intervention time
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the reset mode (automatic or manual) based on the trip source and device configuration. When a trip is initiated remotely, the system can automatically reset the device. When a trip is initiated locally, the system requires manual reset confirmation. This dynamic behavior optimizes both productivity and user control based on the specific operating context.
3Reliability
If synchronized plant start-up is implemented, then reliability is improved by coordinating device startup, but device complexity increases due to additional control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of the trip source before initiating reset or startup sequences. By determining whether the trip was caused by remote or local conditions, the system can pre-configure the appropriate reset mode and coordinated startup parameters, simplifying the overall control logic while ensuring reliable synchronized operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A process control device may include a controller having a remote device trip initiation input, a local device trip initiation input, a remote trip condition input, and a local device reset input. The process control device may also include a device trip source determination module configured to determine a device trip source based on at least one of: the remote device trip initiation input and the local device trip initiation input. The process control device may further include a device reset determination module configured to: automatically generate a device reset when the device trip source determination module determines that the device trip source is a remote device trip and based on the remote trip condition input; or generate the device reset when the device trip source determination module determines that the device trip source is a local device trip and based on the local device reset input.