Field Device Control via Virtual Tool Links for Fast Setup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing automation systems require time-consuming and error-prone setup processes when connecting new tools to control devices, especially in industrial applications, as they need to adapt machine applications and parameters for each tool, which limits efficiency and increases downtimes during tool changes.
Innovation Solution
A method that automatically establishes a control link between a control device and a selected tool device using virtual link units, eliminating the need for manual adaptation of machine applications and allowing efficient coupling through physical ports or wireless connections, enabling rapid switching between tools without interrupting processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual setup and adaptation of machine applications is performed for each tool device, then control precision and reliability are improved, but setup time and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device pre-stores multiple virtual link units corresponding to different tool devices before actual tool connection. When a tool is connected, the system automatically selects and activates the corresponding virtual link unit without requiring manual setup, thus maintaining control reliability while eliminating setup time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies (virtual link units) of tool connection interfaces within the control device. These virtual link units replicate the functionality of physical connections, allowing the system to simulate and adapt to different tool devices software-wise without physical reconfiguration, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining control precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical interfaces are provided for different tool devices, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses a single physical interface that can connect to multiple different tool devices, combined with multiple virtual link units that provide device-specific communication protocols and parameters. This universal physical interface approach maintains adaptability to various tools while significantly reducing the number of physical interfaces needed
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual link units act as intermediary layers between the single physical interface and different tool devices. They translate and adapt communication protocols, enabling a universal physical interface to work with diverse tool devices without requiring dedicated physical interfaces for each tool type
3Measurement precision
If manual parameter communication and set-up is performed for each tool, then measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs parameter communication and setup procedures when a tool device is connected. The control device autonomously selects the appropriate virtual link unit and configures parameters without human intervention, maintaining communication accuracy through pre-stored precise parameters while dramatically improving tool change efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
All tool-specific parameters and communication settings are pre-configured in the virtual link units before tool connection. When a tool is connected, the system immediately activates the corresponding pre-configured parameters, ensuring measurement precision without requiring time-consuming manual parameter communication, thus boosting productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a field device coupled to an automation network, in which the field device has an associated tool device selected from a group of predetermined tool devices, includes the steps of: coupling the selected tool device to a control device having a physical port device; choosing a virtual link unit from a group of virtual link units included in the control device as a function of the selected tool device, wherein each of the virtual link units corresponds to one of the predetermined tool devices; and establishing a control link between the chosen control device and the selected tool device being associated to the field device via the physical port device using control data included in the chosen virtual link unit.