Automation Field Device Dual-Light Status Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices in automation technology face limitations in visual status display visibility due to limited input power, particularly in two-conductor devices using 4-20 mA technology, where the low provided input power restricts the brightness of the status display.
Innovation Solution
A field device with a visual status display that utilizes a second light emitting means to excite a first light emitting means, reducing energy requirements by using a predetermined frequency to control light emission, and incorporating pulse width modulation to enhance visibility, with the first light emitting means arranged 2-dimensionally and potentially using luminescent films or LEDs of different wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a first light emitting means is used for visual status display, then visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases due to limited input power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a second light emitting means that is electrically excited with a predetermined frequency to blink, while the first light emitting means is excited by the second to glow continuously. This periodic excitation of the second light emitting means reduces its energy consumption while maintaining the perception of continuous light emission from the first light emitting means due to persistence of vision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a second light emitting means as an intermediary to excite the first light emitting means. Instead of directly powering the first light emitting means with limited input power, the second light emitting means acts as a mediator that converts electrical energy to optical energy, which then excites the first light emitting means to produce the desired visual display with lower overall energy consumption
2Illumination intensity
If the first light emitting means is made brighter to improve visibility, then visibility is improved, but the available input power is depleted faster
Solution Approach 1:
The second light emitting means is electrically excited periodically at a predetermined frequency rather than continuously, which reduces the total energy consumption while maintaining the appearance of continuous illumination through the first light emitting means. This extends the duration of operation under limited input power conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The first light emitting means provides continuous visual status display information to the user, while the second light emitting means provides periodic excitation. The combination maintains continuous useful action (visible status display) while the periodic nature of the second light emitting means extends the operational duration under limited power
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
The solution provides a more visible and energy-efficient visual status display, allowing for continuous signal perception by the human eye while minimizing energy consumption, even with limited input power, by using a light emitting means pair with specific wavelengths and arrangements to enhance visibility.
Implementation Method 1
arranged in the housing a second light emitting means, which is adapted to excite the first light emitting means such that the first light emitting means emits light
Data Source
AI summary
Field device of automation technology, comprising: a housing; arranged in or on the housing a first light emitting means, which serves as visual status display and which is arranged in such a manner that it is visible externally of the housing; arranged in the housing a second light emitting means, which is adapted to activate the first light emitting means such that the first light emitting means emits light; located in the housing a field device electronics, which is adapted to activate the second light emitting means via a signal with a predetermined frequency such that the second light emitting means emits light, such that the second light emitting means activates the first light emitting means such that the first light emitting means emits light.