Unified Maintenance Tool for Distributed Automation Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for installing and maintaining hardware and software in distributed automation systems are non-uniform, require manual intervention across multiple system nodes, and lack a system-wide management tool, leading to increased error risk and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for automatic installation and maintenance of hardware and software in distributed systems, utilizing a unified tool that can be activated from a single access point, which selects and executes maintenance activities in a defined sequence across all system nodes, including distribution, installation, configuration, and testing, with a standardized user interface and optional display and test modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate software tools are used for different maintenance tasks on distributed system nodes, then specific maintenance functions can be performed, but the tools are non-uniform in operator control and require manual coordination, increasing error risk and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance function coverageVSAvoidtool coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate maintenance tools into a single unified system installation and maintenance tool that can perform diverse maintenance tasks (backup, restore, upgrade, analyze, configure) across all system nodes through one integrated interface, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple separate tools manually

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified maintenance tool provides universal functionality to perform multiple types of maintenance operations (backup, restore, upgrade, analyze, configure) on various system nodes (workstations, servers, controllers) through a single tool, making it adaptable to diverse maintenance needs without requiring specialized tools for each task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If manual maintenance procedures are used with predefined sequences documented in manuals, then installation and maintenance tasks can be performed, but user interaction is required at every desktop and error risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance task executionVSAvoiderror risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The maintenance system performs self-service by automatically executing predefined maintenance sequences and coordinating tasks across system nodes without requiring manual user intervention at each desktop, reducing both operational complexity and error risk through automated procedure execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares and pre-configures maintenance sequences in advance, storing predefined installation and maintenance procedures that are automatically executed in the correct order, eliminating the need for users to manually follow documentation and reducing errors from incorrect sequencing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If system updates and upgrades are performed on each system node independently, then individual nodes can be maintained, but no system-wide management is achieved and coordination between nodes is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidsystem-wide coordination capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The unified system installation and maintenance tool acts as an intermediary that coordinates maintenance operations across all system nodes, managing the distribution and execution of updates and upgrades system-wide while maintaining proper sequencing and dependency relationships between nodes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If users must physically access every desktop for maintenance tasks, then direct control over each system node is possible, but time is lost traveling between computers and user burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect node controlVSAvoidtravel time between nodes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical approach of physical user travel between desktops with an automated electronic system that remotely executes maintenance tasks on system nodes, maintaining reliable control over each node while eliminating time loss from physical movement between computers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8572601B2System and method for automatic installation and maintenance of hardware and software in a distributed computer system

Publication Date: 2013.10.29 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a system and a method for automatic installation and maintenance of hardware and/or software in the system nodes (SK) of a distributed computer system, in particular in a distributed automation system, comprising a system installation and/or system maintenance tool (WZ), wherein the system installation and/or system maintenance tool (WZ) can be activated from a single arbitrary access in the distributed system. The system installation and/or system maintenance tool (WZ) selects a software package and/or a functional component, and automatically executes the maintenance steps of the selected software package and/or of the selected functional component as regards the distribution, installation and/or configuration of the software package and/or of the selected functional component in a defined sequence on the system nodes (SK) of the distributed system.