Flat BLE Adapter Retrofit for Valve Positioner Status Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless connection modules for valve positioners cannot be retrofitted, limiting the ability to upgrade common valve positioners for wireless data transmission of their status data.
Innovation Solution
A retrofittable wireless data transmission adapter, designed with a cylindrical housing and equipped with a wireless transceiver, processor, and data interface, specifically for Bluetooth Low Energy standard, allowing for frictional clamping in valve positioners and enabling wireless data transmission and status display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless connection modules are integrated into valve positioners, then wireless data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between existing valve positioners and wireless communication requirements. The adapter contains the wireless transceiver and processor, while the valve positioner only needs a simple data interface connection. This mediator approach allows wireless functionality to be added without fundamentally redesigning the valve positioner architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication functionality is segmented into a separate adapter module rather than being integrated into the main valve positioner unit. This segmentation allows the wireless transceiver and processor to be housed in a独立的 adapter that can be easily attached to existing valve positioners, reducing the complexity impact on the original device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless transceiver and processor are added to valve positioners, then wireless data transmission is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed as a universal solution that can be retrofitted onto multiple existing valve positioner models. By creating a single standardized adapter design that works across different valve positioner types, the manufacturing cost is amortized over a larger number of units, and economies of scale are achieved in producing the wireless transceiver and processor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter includes an optical signaling device that can display operating status locally without requiring external monitoring equipment. This self-service capability allows the adapter to provide both wireless data transmission and local visual indication functions, effectively performing multiple roles with a single added component, thereby reducing the need for additional separate devices and lowering overall manufacturing costs.
3Ease of operation
If adapter housing radius is increased for frictional clamping, then ease of installation is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter housing is designed with a cylindrical shape where the radius is at least twice as large as the height. This curved, spherical-like form factor allows the adapter to be frictionally clamped into the window opening of the valve positioner housing, providing ease of installation while maintaining a compact overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical housing has an asymmetric relationship between its radius and height, with the radius being at least twice the height. This asymmetric proportions allow the adapter to fit into the window opening with the correct orientation and provide sufficient surface area for frictional clamping without excessive volume.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the retrofitting of common valve positioners to achieve wireless data transmission capabilities, expanding the possibility of monitoring and controlling valve positioners remotely, while maintaining the existing IP protection qualification.
Implementation Method 1
The optical signaling device may be based on various technologies, for example, liquid crystals and/or electronic paper and/or light emitting diodes. It is common to indicate the operating status with the help of two light-emitting diodes of different color. A red and a green light-emitting diode are typically used for this purpose.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for wireless data transmission, in particular according to the “Bluetooth Low Energy” standard, is proposed. The adapter has a cylindrical housing whose radius is at least twice its height. The adapter includes a wireless transceiver and a processor arranged in the cylindrical housing and connected to the wireless transceiver, and a data interface connected to the processor. The processor is arranged to drive the transceiver and the data interface and can therewith transmit data wirelessly. Because the adapter for wireless data transmission has a flat design, it can be retrofitted in valve positioners. This makes it possible to retrofit commonly used valve positioners that until now do not have an option for wireless transmission of their status data with this adapter. As a result, these commonly used valve positioners also achieve the capability of wireless transmission of their status data.