Field Device Function Verification Through Automatic Wireless Pairing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for verifying the function of field devices in process engineering installations are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring manual intervention and limiting the frequency of verification.

Innovation Solution

A fully automated method where the coupling between a mobile terminal device and a field device occurs automatically when the terminal device enters the field device's reception range, allowing for the transmission of verification information without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual pairing and verification procedures are used, then verification accuracy can be ensured through user confirmation, but verification time and labor resources increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidverification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device automatically performs verification operations without requiring user intervention. The device autonomously pairs with field devices, initiates verification protocols, and processes results, transforming a manual service into an automated self-service system that maintains accuracy while eliminating time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures verification parameters and pairing information before actual verification occurs. By preparing verification protocols and device pairing data in advance, the system eliminates on-site manual configuration time while ensuring verification accuracy through pre-validating parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual user guidance is required for coupling, then user control over verification process is maintained, but personnel resources and operational effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser controlVSAvoidverification frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (user pressing buttons, navigating menus) with automated electronic control systems. The terminal device's processor automatically executes pairing and verification protocols, substituting human mechanical actions with electronic automation that maintains operational control while dramatically increasing verification frequency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The verification logic and control functions are extracted from the user and embedded into the terminal device's software system. By taking out the manual operation requirement and embedding automated verification algorithms in the device, the system maintains control through programmed logic while enabling high-frequency automated verifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If automated coupling is implemented, then verification speed and frequency increase, but system complexity and automation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification frequencyVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device is designed with universal automation capabilities that handle multiple verification tasks through a single integrated system. The device can automatically pair with different field devices, execute various verification protocols, and process results using one multifunctional platform, increasing verification frequency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automates verification by dynamically changing operational parameters such as pairing identifiers, communication protocols, and verification thresholds based on device type and context. This parameter-driven automation approach enables high-frequency verifications while keeping the underlying system structure relatively simple and adaptable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250110494A1Method and system for verifying a field device function

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 KROHNE MESSTECHNICK GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for verifying a field device function of a field device, wherein the field device forms verification information, in particular a device status and/or current measured values, with which the field device function is verifiable, wherein a coupling takes place between a mobile terminal device and the field device, as a result of which a wireless data connection is set up between the field device and the terminal device, wherein the verification information is transmitted via the data connection from the field device and the field device function of the field device is verified with the verification information, wherein the coupling takes place fully automatically when the terminal device reaches or enters a reception range of the field device, and wherein the verification information is transmitted fully automatically from the field device via the wireless data connection.