Arrangement applied to a device for capturing and pre-processing bluetooth low energy (BLE) data adapted for operation in industrial areas classified as explosion-hazardous

Abstract

The invention relates to a device used to capture, in real time, data relating to the presence of work teams and mobile machinery in industrial areas, in a fully autonomous manner and in compliance with Brazilian data protection and labor laws, with the aim of increasing the safety and well-being of workers, the productivity of service provision, and the response capacity of safety teams in emergency situations. The invention comprises an arrangement of electro-electronic equipment that enables increased precision and range in the tracking of workers, in addition to having greater capacity for processing the data captured compared to the products already available on the market, mainly in industrial areas classified as explosion-hazardous, where encapsulation and enclosures are necessary for electronic equipment, and where the metal structures present in such areas can interfere with signal reception.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTIVE REPORT

[0002] "Arrangement introduced in a box for capturing and pre-processing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) data, adapted for operation in industrial areas classified against explosion"

[0003] Field of Invention

[0004]

[0001] The present invention presented here was developed with the objective of capturing presence data of work teams and mobile machines, in real time, in industrial areas, in a completely autonomous way and respecting the LGPD and labor laws, with the aim of increasing the safety and well-being of workers, productivity of service executions and the capacity of security teams to act in emergency situations.

[0005] Fundamentals of the Invention

[0006]

[0002] The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing industry by enabling connection and communication between machines, devices, and systems, transforming real-time data into valuable insights. The integration of sensors and smart devices into industrial operations facilitates data collection and analysis, improving operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, and resource management.

[0007]

[0003] Data collection and transfer are performed by various devices that fulfill a specific function, including sensors, actuators, programmable logic controllers, IoT gateways, communication modules, and others. Gateways, the category to which the invention presented here belongs, are responsible for connecting sensors and actuators to the network, capturing and filtering the data before sending it to storage and analysis systems.

[0008]

[0004] Gateways can be used in various IoT applications. Some of these include: real-time monitoring of environmental and process variables, tracking of mobile assets and personnel in industrial areas, remote control of equipment and processes, and safety wearables (monitoring vital signs and personnel location). Related technique

[0009]

[0005] For the implementation of IoT gateways in classified areas, certain safety measures must be taken. It is important to use explosion-proof enclosures, intrinsically safe circuits, and materials resistant to corrosion and temperature. In addition, wireless network communication protocols such as LoRaWAN, Zigbee, cellular networks, and BLE should be used, minimizing the use of cables, which can be sources of ignition.

[0010]

[0006] Regarding communication networks, BLE has the shortest range among the options mentioned. It is also more susceptible to interference from walls and objects. However, it has a very important advantage over other types of networks, especially in classified areas, which is its low energy consumption. This makes BLE ideal for battery-powered devices in areas where frequent maintenance is difficult or dangerous.

[0011]

[0007] Regarding explosion-proof enclosures, they can be manufactured using various types of materials, the main ones being: steel, aluminum, plastics, and composites. In general, metal enclosures offer excellent mechanical resistance and durability, with aluminum enclosures having the added advantage of being lighter. However, they cause significant interference with the IoT gateway signal. Enclosures made of plastic or composites are more suitable for applications where corrosion resistance is more critical than mechanical resistance, such as environments near the sea and aggressive chemical installations, and cause less signal interference.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013]

[0008] Although there are several gateway models for classified areas on the market, these present some problems in data capture and processing. Firstly, BLE capture devices currently have a low data capture and processing capacity. This results in a short range, which varies from 10 to 100 meters, depending on the power. The equipment may also be subject to electrical fluctuations, which can impair data collection. In addition, in industrial environments the signal is susceptible to interference, which can reduce its range and accuracy.

[0014]

[0009] Application in classified areas still presents other challenges. The use of enclosures and encapsulations is necessary, which can increase interference with the signal. The equipment must also have an intrinsically safe construction, using appropriate connections and power supplies. Currently, the Bluetooth data collectors available on the market do not have these characteristics.

[0015] Detailed description of the invention

[0016]

[0010] To ensure the operating characteristics mentioned above, the equipment has the following components, numbered according to Figure 1 (Isometric view of the device with the EX box closed), Figure 2 (Isometric view of the device with the EX box closed), Figure 3 (Isometric view of the device with the EX box open), Figure 4 - Top view of the device with the EX box open, Figure 5 - Exploded isometric view of the device with the box open and Figure 6 - Partial side section view of the device with the box closed:

[0017]

[0011] EX box for installation of electro-electronic components (1). with explosion-proof properties, according to industrial standard Ex and IIC, EX tb IIIC, with polymeric structure, preferably in reinforced polyester, with environmental weather protection according to the IP-66 standard, with impact protection standard Ik-10, flame retardant protection, UV protection, screw closure, internal metallic grounding, preferably in 316 stainless steel, suitable for installation in zones 1, 2, 21, 22 according to ATEX standard;

[0018]

[0012] EX box cover for access to devices (2). protection responsible for sealing the internal and external atmospheres;

[0019]

[0013] Wire passage, fixing and sealing device (3), commercially known as Cable Gland, with dimensions M20 x 1.5 mm cable range 7.5 - 14 mm, in polymeric material, preferably in polyamide;

[0020]

[0014] Electrical surge protection device. commercially known as Clamper surge protector, responsible for protecting equipment against electrical surges;

[0021]

[0015] Multiplatform single-board microcomputer (5) and (9). responsible for capturing the BLE signal and pre-processing the data.

[0022]

[0016] Switched-mode power supply for alternating or direct current (6) and (11). preferably miniature with 15W power and 5V output;

[0023]

[0017] Industrial router with 4G LTE connectivity. Wi-Fi (7) and . whose function is to transmit The data is processed for the cloud;

[0018] Terminal connector (89 and C 13). Commercially known as Miniborne, with 4mm 2 and 12 AWG gauge (7);

[0024]

[0019] Encapsulation . preferably in epoxy resin, responsible for isolating the components and reduced risk of sparks.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A device introduced in a box for capturing and pre-processing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) data, adapted for operation in industrial areas classified against explosions, characterized by capturing data on the presence of work teams and mobile machines in real time in industrial areas, in a completely autonomous manner and respecting the General Data Protection Law (LGPD) and labor laws, with the aim of increasing the safety and well-being of workers, the productivity of service executions, and the capacity of security teams to act in emergency situations.

2. A device introduced in a box for capturing and pre-processing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) data, adapted for operation in industrial areas classified against explosions, characterized by complying with IP65 and IP67 standards, being dust-resistant and able to be temporarily submerged in water.

3. DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN A BOX FOR CAPTURING AND PRE-PROCESSING LOW ENERGY BLUETOOTH (BLE) DATA ADAPTED FOR OPERATION IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS CLASSIFIED AGAINST EXPLOSIONS, characterized by having an intrinsically safe construction and a flexible power supply protected against oscillations, capable of being powered with voltages of 110V, 220V and 24V.

4. A device introduced in a box for capturing and pre-processing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) data, adapted for operation in industrial areas classified against explosions, characterized by containing firmware that uses varying time, interval, and signal strength parameters to locate tags, enabling increased data capture capacity with greater range and precision compared to alternatives currently on the market.

5. A device introduced in a box for capturing and pre-processing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) data, adapted for operation in industrial areas classified against explosions, characterized by containing a multi-platform single-board microcomputer responsible for processing data captured from a BLE signal, as per claim 4.

6. A device introduced in a box for capturing and pre-processing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) data, adapted for operation in industrial areas classified against explosions, characterized by claims 4 and 5, by presenting increased processing and filtering capacity of the data obtained before being sent to the cloud, in relation to similar devices, this being possible due to its electronic robustness.

7. DISPOSITION INTRODUCED IN A BOX FOR CAPTURING AND PRE-PROCESSING LOW ENERGY BLUETOOTH (BLE) DATA ADAPTED FOR OPERATION IN EXPLOSION-PROOF INDUSTRIAL AREAS characterized by claims 4, 5 and 6, wherein the hardware components have their connections adapted for classified areas, are immersed in a resin encapsulation and embedded in a polymeric explosion-proof box, the installation being intended for (i) industrial plants and construction sites, after defining the appropriate location; (ii) fixed point, powered from the electrical network; and (iii) with customized configurations and parameterizations.

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