Modular Vacuum Controller ID Assignment for Faster Commissioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design and installation of bespoke vacuum pumping and abatement systems are time-consuming due to the need for customized equipment and controllers for different processes, requiring efficient methods to assign identifiers to controllers in modular systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for assigning identifiers to controllers in modular vacuum pumping and/or abatement systems, where a central controller determines and transmits identifiers to module controllers, with user input confirmation, enabling efficient commissioning and modularity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bespoke vacuum pumping and abatement systems are designed for different processes, then the systems can be customized to meet specific process requirements, but the design and installation time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using generic controllers that can be assigned different identifiers to control different modules in the vacuum pumping and abatement system. Instead of designing bespoke controllers for each process, a universal controller design is used that can adapt to various modules through identifier assignment, thereby reducing design and installation time while maintaining the ability to meet specific process requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into modular components where each module (vacuum pump, abatement equipment) can be independently controlled by generic controllers. The identifier assignment method allows each controller to be uniquely identified and associated with specific modules, enabling modular deployment without requiring complete system redesign for different processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If generic controllers without pre-loaded location or identity information are used, then system modularity and flexibility are improved, but a method is needed to assign identifiers efficiently during commissioning
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier assignment process employs self-service principles where the system automatically manages identifier distribution. The generic controllers receive identifiers through automated assignment mechanisms during commissioning, reducing the manual configuration burden while maintaining modularity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the identifier assignment framework and communication protocols before system deployment. This allows generic controllers to be quickly assigned identifiers during commissioning without complex manual configuration, as the infrastructure for identifier management is already in place.
3Productivity
If multiple controllers are used in modular systems, then control coverage is improved, but the complexity of controller identification and communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback mechanisms where controllers communicate their assigned identifiers and status back to the central control system. This automated feedback loop simplifies the management of multiple controllers by providing real-time information about controller identification and operational status, reducing the complexity of managing multi-controller systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The identifier assignment system acts as an intermediary that mediates communication between multiple generic controllers and the central control system. This intermediary layer simplifies controller identification and communication by standardizing the interaction protocol, allowing multiple controllers to be managed without increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assigning an identifier to a controller of a modular vacuum pumping and/or abatement system, the method including: determining, by a first controller of the modular vacuum pumping and/or abatement system, that a first identifier is to be assigned to a second controller of the modular vacuum pumping and/or abatement system, wherein the second controller is located at a module of the modular vacuum pumping and/or abatement system; transmitting, by the first controller, a first signal indicative of the first identifier to the second controller; receiving, by a user input device coupled to the module, a user input; and adopting, by the second controller, the first identifier as its identifier in response to the user input.