Field Sensor Signal Switching for In-Place Self-Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field devices cannot output measured physical quantities while verifying their operational soundness, requiring removal from piping for verification processes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a simulated signal generation circuit that allows the field device to output measured values by switching between actual sensor signals and simulated signals during verification, enabling continuous measurement and verification without external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the field device switches the sensor signal to a simulated signal for verification, then the operational soundness can be verified, but the measured value of the physical quantity cannot be outputted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing path into two independent channels: one for verification (using simulated signals) and one for measurement output (using actual sensor signals). The processor selectively routes signals based on operational mode, allowing simultaneous verification and measurement without interference between the two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switch as an intermediary component that controls signal routing between the sensor, simulated signal generation circuit, and output destinations. This intermediary enables flexible signal path selection, allowing the system to verify operational soundness while maintaining the ability to output measured values through alternative routing.
2Reliability
If the field device is removed from piping for verification, then the verification process can be performed, but downtime increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service verification by enabling the field device to perform operational soundness verification while installed on the piping system. The device uses its own processor and simulated signal generation circuit to conduct self-diagnosis, eliminating the need for external verification equipment and removal from service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by allowing the field device to maintain measurement and verification functions simultaneously while installed. The ability to output measured values during verification enables continuous monitoring without interruption, maximizing productivity while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the field device uses a simulated signal for verification, then the verification process is simplified, but the ability to output actual measured values is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic signal routing controlled by the processor, which can switch between different operational modes (verification mode, measurement mode, or simultaneous operation). This dynamic control allows the system to adapt its signal processing behavior based on operational requirements, maintaining both simplified verification capability and measured value output capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A field device (10) includes a sensor (11) that measures a physical quantity and outputs a measurement signal indicating a measured value, converters (12, 15, 16) that perform a predetermined conversion process on the measurement signal, and a processor (17) that outputs an output signal corresponding to the measurement signal subjected to the conversion process. The processor (17) starts verifying operational soundness of the converters (12, 15, 16) when the measurement signal subjected to the conversion process satisfies a predetermined condition, and outputs, while the operational soundness of the converters (12, 15, 16) is being verified, a signal corresponding to the measurement signal subjected to the conversion process and acquired immediately before the operational soundness of the converters (12, 15, 16) is verified, or a signal corresponding to the measurement signal indicating a predetermined measured value of the sensor (11), as the output signal.