Electronic Module Reads QR Codes for Substation Parameter Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for obtaining operating parameters of electrical substation components, such as intelligent electronic devices, are time-consuming and prone to human error, especially when dealing with multiple components in the same vicinity, requiring manual selection and validation through complex software navigation.

Innovation Solution

An electronic module, such as a smartphone with a camera, reads machine-readable codes like QR codes displayed on a human-machine interface, automatically retrieving and validating operating parameters, including identification, network connection, and configuration settings, thereby streamlining the process and reducing manual effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual methods are used to obtain operating parameters of electrical substation components, then the process allows human verification and control, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of parameter retrievalVSAvoidtime to retrieve parameters
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (physically navigating software menus, manually entering parameters) with an automated optical system. The electronic module uses a camera to capture machine-readable codes and automatically extracts operating parameters, eliminating manual intervention while ensuring accuracy through systematic automated validation processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical substation component performs self-identification by displaying machine-readable codes containing its operating parameters. The component essentially serves itself by providing the information automatically when scanned, eliminating the need for manual querying and parameter entry by operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual navigation through control software is used to retrieve parameters, then the process allows flexible verification, but the complexity of software navigation increases the difficulty of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of parameter accessVSAvoidcomplexity of control software navigation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential identification information (operating parameters) from the complex control software environment and encodes it in a machine-readable code displayed on the component. This extracts the critical information needed for operation away from the complex software navigation interface, making it accessible through simple optical scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The machine-readable code acts as an intermediary between the complex control software system and the user. Instead of requiring direct interaction with complex software menus, the code provides a simplified interface that can be read by electronic modules, bridging the gap between system complexity and user simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple electrical substation components are managed manually, then each component can be individually verified, but the overall productivity decreases due to repetitive manual tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of managing multiple componentsVSAvoidconsistency of parameter validation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic module is designed with universal functionality to manage multiple different electrical substation components. It can scan, decode, validate, and extract parameters from various component types using the same machine-readable code system, enabling efficient batch processing while maintaining consistent validation standards across all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3046061B1Method of obtaining at least one operating parameter of an electrical substation component
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 ALSTOM TECH LTD
  • EP3046061B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

There is provided a method of obtaining at least one operating parameter of an electrical substation component. The method comprises the steps of: • providing the electrical substation component with a machine-readable code including the at least one operating parameter of the electrical substation component, wherein the machine-readable code is in non-human-readable format; • providing an electronic module able to visually read the at least one operating parameter from the machine-readable code; • configuring the electronic module to visually read the machine-readable code and thereby retrieve the at least one operating parameter from the machine-readable code.