Field Device Amplifier Shield Chamber Size Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing vortex flowmeters face limitations in design flexibility due to the increased size of the amplifier shield chamber required for screwing signal lines to substrates, which also compromises maintainability and noise shielding efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The field device incorporates a connector-connection system for the sensor lead wire inside the converter, allowing the amplifier shield chamber to be reduced in size, enabling detachable and directionally adjustable converters without internal access, and utilizing an amplifier shielding plate to maintain noise shielding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a signal line is screwed to a substrate disposed in an amplifier shield chamber, then the signal line connection is secure, but the amplifier shield chamber size increases and design freedom is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal line connection reliabilityVSAvoidamplifier shield chamber volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the amplifier shield chamber into multiple levels or zones, allowing signal lines to be connected at different positions without requiring the entire chamber to be enlarged. This segmentation enables efficient space utilization while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension within the amplifier shield chamber by providing a support structure that extends in the height direction. Signal lines can be connected at different heights, effectively using three-dimensional space rather than only horizontal plane, thereby avoiding chamber enlargement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the amplifier shield chamber size is increased to accommodate screw connections, then signal line installation is easier, but maintainability deteriorates and noise shielding efficiency is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal line installation easeVSAvoidmaintainability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a support structure with predetermined connection positions during the manufacturing stage. This preliminary preparation allows signal lines to be easily connected without requiring complex installation procedures or internal access, thereby maintaining ease of operation while preserving chamber size for effective noise shielding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the amplifier shield chamber size is increased, then signal line connection space is sufficient, but noise shielding efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal line connection spaceVSAvoidnoise shielding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the signal line connection structure within the existing amplifier shield chamber volume by utilizing vertical space through the support structure. This nested arrangement provides adequate connection space without expanding the external chamber dimensions, thereby maintaining noise shielding efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3992585B1Field device
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3992585B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3992585B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3992585B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A field device includes: a casing portion that has an amplifier shield chamber into which an analog signal transfer portion transferring an analog signal output from a detector is able to be inserted; a signal conversion portion that is disposed inside the amplifier shield chamber, the signal conversion portion being configured to convert the analog signal into a digital signal; and a first connector that is disposed inside the amplifier shield chamber, the first connector being configured to connect the analog signal transfer portion and the signal conversion portion to each other in an attachable/detachable manner.