Field Device Fixing Adapter for Multi-Orientation Mounting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Field devices in process automation often require complex adaptations and adjustments in orientation when installed in different situations, such as on container walls or ceilings, leading to increased installation complexity and potential misalignment of measuring units.

Innovation Solution

A fastening system comprising a field device and a fastening adapter with multiple fastening means that allow the field device to be securely attached in at least two orientations, enabling flexible positioning and alignment without altering the device's housing, using snap-in, bayonet, or screw connections, and incorporating a position detection unit for automatic orientation recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the housing of a field device is adapted to a specific mounting situation, then the field device can be securely mounted in that specific orientation, but the field device cannot be installed in different orientations or situations without additional adaptations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting orientation flexibilityVSAvoidhousing adaptation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into two separate components: a standardized field device housing and a situation-specific fastening adapter. The adapter contains the orientation-specific fastening means, while the field device housing remains unchanged. This segmentation allows the same field device to be mounted in different orientations by simply changing the adapter, not the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening adapter serves as an intermediary component between the standardized field device housing and the mounting surface. It translates the standardized mounting interface into situation-specific mounting configurations (e.g., ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, pipe-mounted) without requiring modifications to the field device housing itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fastening means are provided on the field device housing for different orientations, then the field device can be mounted in multiple orientations, but the field device housing becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting orientation flexibilityVSAvoidfastening means complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fastening means are segmented and placed in separate fastening adapters rather than being integrated into the field device housing. Each adapter contains the specific fastening means required for a particular mounting situation, keeping the housing simple while providing mounting flexibility through interchangeable adapters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized housing is designed with a universal mounting interface that can work with different fastening adapters. This universal interface allows the same housing to be mounted in multiple orientations by simply changing the adapter, rather than incorporating multiple specialized fastening systems into the housing itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the field device housing is modified to accommodate different mounting situations, then optimal positioning can be achieved, but the housing design becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidhousing manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting adaptation functionality is segmented into separate fastening adapters that are manufactured independently from the standardized housing. This allows the housing to be produced in large quantities with a simple, standardized design, while the adapters are manufactured to match specific mounting requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening adapter acts as an intermediary that provides situation-specific mounting capabilities without requiring modifications to the standardized housing design. This maintains manufacturing simplicity for the housing while still enabling optimal positioning in various mounting situations through the adapter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3748307B1Field device with fixing adapter
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 VEGA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO
  • EP3748307B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3748307B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3748307B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Mounting system (100) for a field device (200), comprising: at least one field device (200), comprising a first housing part (230); at least one mounting adapter (300), comprising a second housing part (310) for captive mounting of the first housing part (230); wherein the first housing part (230) comprises at least one mounting means and/or the second housing part (310) comprises at least one mounting means; wherein the mounting means(s) are arranged such that the field device (200) can be engaged with the second housing part (310) in a first orientation and with the second housing part (310) in a second orientation.