Field Device Mode Switching for Remote Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Battery-powered field devices in process automation, such as VEGA PLICSMOBILE, are typically set to send data only once a day and cannot be remotely accessed or maintained due to their energy-saving mode, limiting remote parameterization and maintenance capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A field device with a transmitting and receiving unit and a control unit that allows switching from energy-saving mode to transmit/receive mode upon server instruction, enabling remote maintenance by determining a specific time window for communication with the server, allowing remote access and parameterization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the field device operates in energy-saving mode to extend battery life, then energy consumption is reduced, but remote accessibility and maintenance capability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidremote accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The field device dynamically switches between energy-saving mode and transmit/receive mode based on operational requirements. The control unit activates the transmitting and receiving unit only during scheduled communication windows, allowing the device to adapt its power consumption state rather than remaining static in one mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device implements periodic communication cycles where it alternates between sleeping in energy-saving mode and waking up for scheduled data transmission and remote maintenance windows. This periodic activation allows battery-powered devices to maintain remote accessibility periodically while minimizing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of repair

If the field device transmits data frequently to enable remote access, then remote maintenance capability is improved, but battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote maintenance capabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The server schedules and prepares maintenance tasks and parameter updates in advance, storing them on the server before the field device wakes up. When the field device becomes accessible during scheduled windows, it receives pre-prepared configuration changes and maintenance instructions, eliminating the need for frequent wake-ups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The field device autonomously manages its own power consumption by implementing local scheduling logic that determines optimal wake-up times for communication. The device self-regulates its accessibility based on battery status and operational priorities, making independent decisions about when to activate transmitting/receiving functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the field device remains in transmit/receive mode for extended periods to allow remote access, then remote parameterization is facilitated, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote parameterization capabilityVSAvoidenergy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of maintaining continuous transmit/receive mode for full remote accessibility, the system implements partial action by providing remote access only during scheduled time windows. This partial accessibility is sufficient for most remote parameterization needs while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2650740B1Method for setting up a field device to be temporarily prepared for reception and measuring system

Publication Date: 2019.11.13 VEGA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO

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AI summary

The device e.g. sensor (105) and evaluation and control device (108), has a transmission and reception unit transmitting data i.e. time data, to a web-vv server (101) and receiving the data from the server. A control unit transfers the device from power-saving modes (201, 209, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2026, 2027) to transmit/receive modes (205, 2011, 2018) and vice-versa. The control unit receives time data about a later time for transferring the device from the power-saving mode to the transmit/receive mode while the device is in the transmit/receive mode, from the server. The transmission and reception unit is designed as a general packet radio service (GPRS) modem and an external wireless interface. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a server for a field device (2) a method for setting up temporary readiness of a field device for process automation to receive data (3) a program element for setting up temporary readiness of a field device for process automation to receive data (4) a machine-readable medium comprising a set of instructions to execute a method for setting up temporary readiness of a field device for process automation to receive data.