Wireless Controller Network With QoS and Redundant Plant Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distributed control systems face challenges in establishing a simplified network for communication between controllers and higher-level systems, often requiring complex wired connections and redundant infrastructure, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A plant system utilizing wireless connections between controllers and an access node, with redundant wireless communication paths and Quality of Service (QoS) control, allowing for efficient communication and data aggregation, and reducing the need for extensive cabling and network devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used to connect controllers to higher-level systems, then communication reliability is improved, but network complexity and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication systems. Controllers communicate with higher-level systems and other controllers via wireless links, eliminating the need for physical cable infrastructure while maintaining communication functionality. This substitution reduces network complexity and infrastructure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication units as intermediary devices that facilitate communication between controllers and the network. These units act as mediators, enabling wireless data transmission without requiring direct wired connections between all system components, thereby simplifying the overall network architecture.
2Device complexity
If wireless connections are used to simplify network establishment, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels to different communication scenarios. Critical control data transmission uses reliable wireless links with appropriate QoS parameters, while non-critical data can use standard wireless communication. This localized quality approach ensures reliability where needed without unnecessarily complicating the overall wireless system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundancy mechanisms in advance, such as backup wireless communication paths and error correction protocols. These cushioning measures are built into the wireless system beforehand to prevent communication failures, ensuring reliability without requiring complex fallback wired infrastructure.
3Reliability
If redundant communication paths are implemented, then system reliability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to aggregated data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges redundant data from multiple communication paths into a single unified data set. When the same information is transmitted through redundant wireless links, the system consolidates these duplicate transmissions, eliminating data redundancy while preserving the reliability benefits of having multiple communication paths available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards redundant duplicate data packets that arrive through multiple paths and recovers only the essential information. This approach maintains system reliability by having backup transmission paths while avoiding the waste of processing and storing redundant copies of the same data.
4Reliability
If QoS control is implemented for real-time traffic, then real-time communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic QoS control that adapts to real-time communication requirements. The system automatically adjusts transmission parameters, priority levels, and resource allocation based on the urgency and type of data being transmitted. This dynamic approach ensures real-time reliability without requiring complex static configuration for every possible scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key transmission parameters such as data rate, modulation scheme, and priority level based on QoS requirements. For real-time control data, the system adjusts parameters to ensure timely delivery, while for non-critical data, standard parameters are used. This parameter adaptation provides reliable real-time communication without overly complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A plant system includes: an access node connected to a network; a plurality of controllers configured to perform distributed control on a plurality of field devices provided in a plant; and a wireless communication unit provided in each group of a plurality of groups into which the plurality of controllers are grouped and connected to each controller in the corresponding group via a wired connection, and configured to connect each controller to the access node via a wireless connection.