Field Device Verification Using Adapters and Threshold Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current industrial automation systems require multiple verification devices for different types of measurement devices, leading to operational challenges, high overhead costs, and complexity in management and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A single verification device with an adapter and repository of verification definition data sets, capable of connecting to various field devices and measuring operational parameters against threshold values, allowing for in-situ verification of multiple types of field devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple verification devices are used for different measurement device types, then verification capability for specific device types is improved, but device complexity and management overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification capabilityVSAvoidmanagement overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The verification device is designed with a universal interface that can connect to multiple types of field devices through different adapters. The device includes a repository that stores verification definition data sets for various device types, allowing a single verification device to perform verification functions across diverse measurement devices without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The verification device employs modular adapters that can be selectively connected to the main verification device body. Each adapter is designed for a specific device type but interfaces with a universal connection point. This segmentation allows the system to maintain versatility while managing complexity through modular, interchangeable components rather than integrating all functionality into a monolithic device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple verification devices are maintained for different field device types, then verification precision for specific devices is improved, but capital and operational expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification precisionVSAvoidcapital expense

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single verification device incorporates the capability to verify multiple types of field devices through its adapter interface and repository system. This eliminates the need to purchase multiple separate verification devices, thereby reducing capital expenses while maintaining verification precision through device-specific verification definition data sets stored in the repository.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of purchasing multiple physical verification devices, the system uses digital copies of verification definition data sets stored in the repository. Each data set contains the specific verification parameters and threshold values for different device types, allowing the single physical device to replicate the functionality of multiple specialized devices through software-based configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple verification devices are used, then verification coverage for all device types is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to training requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification coverageVSAvoidtraining requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The verification device provides a unified interface and consistent operation mode for verifying different types of field devices. Operators interact with the same device and follow similar procedures regardless of the field device type being verified. The system automatically selects the appropriate verification definition data set from the repository based on the connected device, eliminating the need for operators to learn multiple specialized devices while maintaining comprehensive verification coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The verification device automatically identifies the connected field device type and retrieves the corresponding verification definition data set from the repository without requiring manual configuration by the operator. This self-identifying capability reduces the training burden on operators, as the system handles device-specific parameters automatically while operators follow a standardized verification process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12117821B2Device and method for verification of field devices

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

The present invention discloses a verification device for verifying a field device. The verification device comprises a repository and verification module. The repository comprises a plurality of verification definition data sets, each verification definition data set associated with a type of field device and comprises one or more sets of threshold values of one or more corresponding operational parameters for the corresponding type of field device. The verification module obtains a corresponding verification definition data set associated with the field device under verification; measures values of the operational parameters of the field device under verification in accordance with the corresponding verification definition data set and compares the measured values of the operational parameters with corresponding threshold values of the operational parameters from a set of threshold values of the operational parameters from the corresponding verification definition data set.