Field Device Exchange Signal Generator for Partial Deactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for exchanging field devices in processing systems, such as alarm systems, require complete shutdown or maintenance mode, leading to increased effort and disruption of system functionality, especially when replacing a defective field device.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an exchange signal generator to detect and facilitate the replacement of field devices by automatically separating the affected components from the data and power supply, allowing for partial deactivation and minimizing downtime, using existing data links and Near Field Communication for identification and configuration transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire processing device is switched off or placed in maintenance mode for field device exchange, then the exchange can be performed without fault messages, but the system loses its original function and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing device into multiple independent components, allowing individual field devices to be exchanged without affecting the entire system. The control unit can identify and isolate specific field devices for maintenance while keeping other parts of the system operational, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of switching off the entire processing device (excessive action), the patent implements partial deactivation by isolating only the specific field device being exchanged. This partial action maintains system productivity while still enabling the field device exchange to proceed without generating fault messages.
2Reliability
If manual configuration is performed after field device replacement, then the new field device can be integrated into the system, but the amount of effort and time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically performs configuration actions immediately upon detecting field device replacement through the exchange signal. This preliminary automatic configuration eliminates the need for subsequent manual configuration efforts, reducing both time loss and maintaining reliable integration of the new field device into the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-configuration automatically when a field device is replaced. The control unit detects the exchange signal and autonomously configures the new field device without requiring manual intervention, thus reducing configuration time while ensuring reliable integration through automated processes.
3Ease of operation
If the processing device is completely deactivated for field device exchange, then no fault messages are generated, but the loss of time for system shutdown and restart increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial deactivation by isolating only the specific field device being exchanged rather than shutting down the entire processing device. This partial action prevents fault messages related to the exchanged field device while maintaining system operation, thereby avoiding the time loss associated with complete shutdown and restart cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary isolation of the field device being exchanged before the actual replacement occurs. This preliminary action prevents fault messages from being generated during the exchange process without requiring system shutdown, thus eliminating the time loss associated with shutdown and restart while still achieving fault message avoidance.
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 the exchange of field devices without shutting down the entire processing system, reducing effort and ensuring continuous functionality by using an exchange signal to manage the separation and reconfiguration of field devices within the system.
Implementation Method 1
the field device and the exchange device communicate with one another bidirectionally, e.g. in accordance with Near Field Communication (NFC), and, following the completed communication, an exchange signal is generated
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a processing device (2) that comprises a control unit (4) and at least one field device (8, 10, 12) connected to said control unit (4) for the purpose of exchanging data via a data exchange connection (6), in which a field device (10) to be exchanged is replaced by another field device (12) to be inserted, and which comprises the steps of: generating an exchange signal (AS) using an exchange signal generator (14), and transmitting said exchange signal (AS) to the control unit (4). The invention also relates to a corresponding processing device and a control unit, field device, and exchange signal generator, as well as a computer program.