Field Device Switching Between Network and Direct Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices often rely on communications networks for data transmission, which can fail, disrupting measurement value delivery between remote field devices and evaluation or operating devices.
Innovation Solution
A field device apparatus with a measuring device and communications device that can switch between indirect and direct connection modes using the same transmission technology, allowing for flexible communication via either a communications network or a direct connection, enabling continued data transfer even if the network fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a field device uses indirect connection via communications network, then communication flexibility is improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to network failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The field device dynamically switches between indirect network connection and direct connection modes based on network availability. The device can transition from using a communications network to establishing a direct connection when the network fails, ensuring continuous operation and maintaining reliability while preserving communication flexibility through multiple connection options.
Solution Approach 2:
The field device stores access data for both indirect network connection and direct connection in advance. By preparing alternative connection parameters beforehand, the device can quickly switch to direct connection mode when network failure occurs, minimizing interruption and maintaining transmission reliability without sacrificing the flexibility of multiple connection methods.
2Reliability
If a field device uses direct connection, then transmission reliability is improved, but communication flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The field device is designed with multi-functionality to support both indirect network connection and direct connection modes. By integrating capabilities for both connection types within a single device, the system achieves universal communication ability, allowing it to select the most appropriate connection method based on operational needs, thereby maintaining both reliability and flexibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adapts its connection mode between direct and indirect connections based on real-time network conditions and operational requirements. This dynamic switching capability allows the device to use direct connection for reliable transmission when needed while retaining the option to use indirect network connection for flexible communication scenarios, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If a field device relies on communications network, then ease of operation is improved, but operational continuity deteriorates when network fails
Solution Approach 1:
The field device prepares alternative direct connection parameters and access data in advance before network failure occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the communications network fails, the device can immediately switch to direct connection mode without interruption to operational continuity, while maintaining the ease of operation through automated switching without requiring manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses stored access data and connection parameters as an intermediary mechanism between the field device and evaluation device. When the communications network (intermediary) fails, the pre-stored access data enables direct communication, ensuring operational continuity while maintaining ease of operation through the automated use of prepared connection information.
Data Source
AI summary
A field device apparatus is described which, for communicating with an evaluation device, can be operated in a direct or indirect operating mode, which both use the same access data.