Field Device Radio Module Retrofitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field devices face challenges in secure and efficient retrofitting of radio modules, particularly due to insufficient power supply via the 4 mA to 20 mA power circuit, leading to risks of unintentional or intentional manipulation, and increased installation and security expenses.
Innovation Solution
A field device with a modular design featuring a radio module that can be connected and disconnected from the electronic unit, with a control element for activating and deactivating the radio module only accessible when the device is deactivated, and an integrated separate energy supply, such as a battery, to ensure secure and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a radio module is integrated or retrofitted into the field device, then wireless control capability is improved, but the available power from the 4 mA to 20 mA power circuit becomes insufficient to supply both the electronic unit and the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The field device is divided into separate functional modules: the main electronic unit with sensor powered by the 4 mA to 20 mA circuit, and a separate radio module with its own independent power supply. This segmentation allows each module to have dedicated power resources, enabling wireless functionality without compromising the power availability of the main device.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio module is combined with the field device through mechanical and electrical connections while maintaining independent power supply. The control unit of the radio module can be mechanically operated only when the field device is deactivated, merging the operational workflows while preserving power independence.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external control units are connected to the 4 mA to 20 mA power circuit for physical communication, then control capability is improved, but installation expense and complexity increase due to modifying the two-wire line
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection and modification of the two-wire line required by external control units is replaced by a wireless radio communication system. The radio module provides wireless control capability without requiring any physical modification to the existing two-wire connection between the field device and the power circuit.
3Ease of operation
If the control element is always accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized manipulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The accessibility of the control element is made dynamic rather than static. The control element is mechanically arranged to be accessible only when the field device is deactivated and the housing is open, automatically changing its accessibility state based on the operational status of the device. This dynamic restriction prevents unauthorized manipulation during operation while allowing legitimate access during maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A field device with a housing, a sensor, and an electronic unit arranged in the housing, with the field device comprising a radio module that can be connected to the electronic unit and removed therefrom.