Universal Field Device Verification Using Threshold Data Sets

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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, as well as difficulties in physically transporting and training personnel for various devices.

Innovation Solution

A single verification device with an adapter and repository of verification definition data sets, capable of connecting to and verifying multiple types of field devices by measuring operational parameters against threshold values, and optionally applying electrical excitation for simulation, allowing for in-situ verification of various field devices such as electromagnetic flow meters and pH meters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

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:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The verification device is designed with a universal architecture that can verify multiple types of field devices through a single platform. The device includes a repository storing verification definition data sets for different device types, and a verification module that can adapt to various device types by selecting appropriate data sets, eliminating the need for multiple specialized verification devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The verification device separates the verification logic into modular components: a repository containing verification definition data sets for different device types, and a verification module that executes the appropriate data set based on the target device type. This segmentation allows flexible configuration and easy maintenance of verification parameters for each device type independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple verification devices are maintained separately, then specific device verification accuracy is improved, but capital and operational expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidverification cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple verification devices for different field device types are merged into a single unified verification device. The device consolidates verification functionalities, shared resources, and operational interfaces, reducing the total number of devices required while maintaining verification accuracy through device-type-specific verification definition data sets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification coverageVSAvoidoperator training

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The verification device provides a universal interface and unified operation methodology that works across all field device types. Operators learn a single set of operational procedures and interface interactions, regardless of the specific device type being verified, eliminating the need for separate training programs for each verification device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple verification devices are carried to the field, then verification capability for various devices is improved, but physical portability becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield verification capabilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple verification devices are consolidated into a single portable unit that can be carried to field locations. The unified device integrates verification functionalities for multiple field device types, significantly reducing the total weight and bulk of equipment that maintenance engineers must transport while maintaining comprehensive verification capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3563202B1A device and method for verification of field devices

Publication Date: 2021.02.17 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

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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.