Energy-Controlled Data Transmission in Field Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices require significant energy for data transmission, often necessitating a constant external power supply, which limits their flexibility and independence from external energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A control device that monitors energy collection and triggers data transmission only when a predetermined energy threshold is exceeded, allowing for energy-efficient data transmission using onboard energy storage and converters like solar panels or thermocouples, without the need for continuous external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If field devices use GSM, GPRS or UMTS modems for data transmission, then data can be transmitted wirelessly, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by triggering data transmission only at specific intervals or events rather than continuously. The control device monitors when energy thresholds are met and schedules transmissions accordingly, using time-controlled, event-controlled, or measured-value-controlled sending modes to reduce overall energy consumption while maintaining wireless connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling field devices to autonomously manage their own energy resources. The control device on the field device monitors available energy, decides when transmission should occur based on energy availability, and executes transmissions independently without requiring external power management, making the system self-sufficient.
2Reliability
If field devices are connected to external energy supply, then sufficient energy is ensured for data transmission, but flexibility and independence from external sources are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling field devices to autonomously manage their own energy resources. The control device on the field device monitors available energy, decides when transmission should occur based on energy availability, and executes transmissions independently without requiring external power management, making the system self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting transmission parameters based on available energy levels. The system monitors energy state and adapts transmission timing, frequency, and possibly data volume according to energy availability, allowing the device to operate reliably across varying energy conditions without fixed external power requirements.
3Productivity
If data transmission is triggered by time intervals or events, then data can be sent regularly or on-demand, but energy is wasted when insufficient energy is available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by creating a closed-loop control system where the control device continuously monitors available energy and uses this information to make intelligent transmission decisions. The system feedback mechanism prevents transmission attempts when energy is insufficient, avoiding wasted energy while maintaining productive data transmission when conditions are favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transmission schedule flexible and adaptive rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts transmission timing based on real-time energy availability, transitioning between time-controlled, event-controlled, and measured-value-controlled modes to optimize both productivity and energy efficiency under varying conditions.
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 flexible and self-sufficient energy supply for field devices, reducing the size and cost of energy converters and allowing for intermittent data transmission, thereby enhancing their operational independence and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
DE 10 2004 032 618 A1 describes a wireless solar temperature sensor which has solar cells for supplying energy to a transmitting device and an energy store which can be filled up via the solar cells
Implementation Method 2
energy converters, in particular solar cells or thermocouples
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the invention, the measurement acquisition and data transmission of a field device are energy-controlled. A control unit is provided that monitors the amount of energy collected in the field device and triggers data transmission only when the collected energy exceeds a predetermined threshold. In particular, data transmission can occur at irregular intervals.