Actuator Auxiliary Switch Setpoint Adjustment via Wireless Bus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuator systems with auxiliary switches face challenges in setting accurate setpoints, especially in hard-to-reach locations, and lack adjustability based on varying conditions such as temperature or application modes, leading to potential inaccuracies and fixed hysteresis.

Innovation Solution

The actuator system allows for remote electronic adjustment of auxiliary switch setpoints and control parameters via a two-wire polarity-insensitive bus, enabling programmable settings and real-time adjustments based on variables like temperature, using a Sylk bus and enhanced controller software, along with a potentiometer for address selection and onboard diagnostics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If auxiliary switch setpoints are set locally on the actuator, then the actuator can operate independently, but setting accuracy deteriorates in hard-to-reach locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent operationVSAvoidsetpoint accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless communication module serves as an intermediary between the actuator and the control system, allowing setpoint configuration and adjustment without physical access to the actuator. This resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate remote programming while maintaining the actuator's independent operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator system is segmented into independent functional modules: the actuator unit with auxiliary switch, the wireless communication module, and the external programming interface. This allows the actuator to operate independently while enabling accurate remote setpoint configuration through wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If auxiliary switch setpoints are fixed, then the device structure is simple, but adaptability to varying conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidcondition adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary switch setpoints are made dynamic and programmable rather than fixed. The wireless communication module enables real-time adjustment of setpoints based on varying operational conditions, while the basic actuator structure remains simple. This resolves the contradiction by adding software-based adaptability without increasing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The setpoint parameters of the auxiliary switch are made changeable through wireless programming. Instead of fixed hardware configurations, the parameters can be adjusted electronically based on different operational requirements, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If auxiliary switch setpoints are adjustable locally, then adaptability is improved, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetpoint adjustabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication module acts as an intermediary that simplifies operation by allowing setpoint configuration through remote programming interfaces rather than requiring physical access and manual adjustment. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability through wireless means while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical adjustment of auxiliary switch setpoints is replaced with electronic wireless programming. This substitution eliminates the need for physical access to the actuator and simplifies the adjustment process, while maintaining full adaptability of setpoint configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If hysteresis is fixed in the auxiliary switch, then the control logic is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol logic simplicityVSAvoidswitch activation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The hysteresis parameter of the auxiliary switch is made programmable rather than fixed. The wireless communication module enables electronic adjustment of hysteresis values to achieve precise switch activation thresholds, while the underlying control logic remains relatively simple. This resolves the contradiction by allowing precise parameter tuning without complex control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8749182B2Actuator having an adjustable auxiliary output

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

An actuator system having an actuator with an auxiliary switch. Make and break connection positions of the auxiliary switch relative to a rotative position of an output shaft coupling may be adjusted electronically according to an adjustment signal. The adjustment signal may be conveyed to the actuator from a computer or controller via a two-wire polarity insensitive bus. The adjustment signal may instead be provided an auxiliary potentiometer.