Diagnostic Connection Element for Wireless Failure Data Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field devices in process automation technology face challenges in efficiently troubleshooting and data recovery after total failure, particularly due to environmental and operational issues, which can lead to time-consuming error identification and potential device destruction.
Innovation Solution
A connection element with a diagnostic module that includes a receiving interface, memory module, and read-out interface, allowing data from a first unit to be stored wirelessly and easily retrieved, even in the absence of a power supply, using technologies like RFID or NFC for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data are stored in the field device memory, then data recovery is possible after failure, but the device cannot be read out if it is completely destroyed or loses power during critical states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate read-out device as an intermediary component that can independently access and retrieve data from the field device memory without requiring the field device to be operational. This mediator bypasses the need for the field device's processing unit and communication interfaces, enabling data recovery even when the device is completely destroyed or in a critical state where normal communication is impossible.
2Reliability
If multiple protective measures are implemented for electronic circuits, then device reliability improves, but troubleshooting complexity increases when failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data retrieval function from the field device itself and places it in an external read-out device. This separation allows the field device to maintain its protective measures and robust design without the complexity of implementing its own diagnostic interface, while the external device handles all troubleshooting and data retrieval operations.
3Productivity
If configuration data are transferred to a new device during replacement, then operational continuity is maintained, but time-consuming error identification prevents quick replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary retrieval and analysis of error data from the failed device using the read-out device before the replacement process begins. By extracting and examining diagnostic data, configuration data, and operational logs in advance, technicians can identify errors and prepare replacement devices more quickly, reducing the overall replacement time and maintaining higher productivity.
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
Facilitates quick and secure data retrieval from failed units, reducing downtime and enabling easy identification of failure causes, thus extending device lifespan and simplifying troubleshooting.
Implementation Method 1
using technologies like RFID or NFC for data transmission
Implementation Method 2
using technologies like RFID or NFC for data transmission
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments relate to a system including a connection element for producing a wired connection between a first unit and a second unit, the connection element comprising a diagnostic module; wherein the diagnostic module comprises: a receiving interface, which is set up to receive data from the first unit over a wired data connection, a memory module, which is set up to store the data received from the first unit, and a read-out interface, which is set up to output the data stored by the memory module over a wireless data connection. The disclosed embodiments furthermore relate to a system including the first unit with the connection element directly connected to the first unit, as well as a system with the first unit and the second unit. The disclosed embodiments finally also relate to a method for producing a wired connection.