Field Device Radio Coupling Through Connection Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices with metallic housings face challenges in remote data transmission due to the obstruction of electromagnetic waves, and environments like water or metal surroundings further hinder radio connections, necessitating a solution for reliable, user-friendly, and cost-effective data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A field device with a radio module that uses field coupling through an electrical connection line to transmit and receive data signals, allowing for non-contact communication via electromagnetic fields, enabling data transmission regardless of the surrounding medium and housing material, and allowing for the integration of the radio module within the device without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a radio transmitter/receiver is located inside the field-device housing, then wireless operation and parameterization become easier, but metal housing walls prevent the propagation of electromagnetic waves and thus the desired radio connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling device that bridges the radio frequency domain and the electrical connection line. This coupling device converts radio frequency signals into electrical signals that can be transmitted through the existing electrical connection line, which then carries the signals to an external radio receiver. This intermediary solution allows wireless operation while bypassing the metal housing barrier.
2Ease of operation
If a radio module is used for remote data transmission, then user-friendly operation is achieved, but bulk media such as metal or metal-containing powder, granules or flowable media significantly restrict or completely prevent the desired radio connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct radio wave transmission mechanism with an electrical signal transmission mechanism through the connection line. Instead of relying on electromagnetic waves propagating through the surrounding media (which are blocked by metal or bulk media), the system uses the existing electrical connection line as a guided medium for signal transmission, effectively substituting one transmission mechanism for another that is insensitive to the surrounding environment.
3Strength
If the field device has a metallic housing for mechanical stability and resistance to environmental influences, then structural integrity is improved, but the housing prevents propagation of electromagnetic waves for radio communication
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device serves as an intermediary that converts radio frequency signals into electrical signals suitable for transmission through the metal housing via the electrical connection line. This allows the metal housing to maintain its structural integrity and environmental resistance while the coupling device enables electromagnetic communication through a different physical pathway (electrical conductors rather than direct radio wave propagation).
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable, user-friendly, and cost-effective remote data transmission without opening the field device, maintaining operational integrity even in metallic or non-metallic housings and various environmental conditions, with the option for bidirectional communication over extended distances.
Implementation Method 1
The radio module (6) is arranged and designed in such a way to transmit and/or receive a remote data-transmission signal into/from a section (10) of the connection line (5) outside the housing (3) by means of a field coupling with a section (9) of the connection line (5) located in the housing (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A field device, in particular, a fill-level, point-level, flow, pressure or temperature-measurement device, with a housing, an electrical connection line led into the housing via a cable feedthrough, and a radio module held in the housing for remote data transmission, wherein the radio module is arranged and designed in such a way as to transmit a remote data-transmission signal by means of a field coupling. A section of the connection line located in the housing transmits or receives signal into or out of a section of the connection line located outside the housing. The invention also relates to a method for remote data transmission by means of a radio module housed in a housing of a field device.