Fieldbus Component Hardware Cloud Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fieldbus components face complexity and security risks in configuring data transmission to clouds, particularly in large production environments, where customers need to choose between public and private cloud storage for data security reasons, and current methods require software interfaces that are cumbersome and insecure.

Innovation Solution

A fieldbus component with a hardware-implemented setting element that can be easily switched between public and private cloud transmission modes, eliminating the need for software interfaces and simplifying configuration, thereby enhancing security and integration in various environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data transmission to cloud is configured using software interfaces (Bluetooth, WLAN, device configuration software), then configuration flexibility is improved, but security risks and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cloud selection functionality from software-based configuration and implements it through a dedicated hardware setting element (jumper or switch) on the fieldbus component. This physical element directly determines whether data is transmitted to public or private cloud without requiring software interfaces, thereby eliminating security risks associated with Bluetooth, WLAN, or configuration software while maintaining configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electronic/software-based configuration system (Bluetooth, WLAN, device configuration software) with a simple mechanical/physical setting element (jumper or switch). This substitution eliminates the need for complex software interfaces and their associated security vulnerabilities, providing a secure yet flexible method for cloud selection in automation components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cloud configuration is performed through software interfaces, then configuration adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration adaptabilityVSAvoidconfiguration convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cloud selection function from complex software configuration processes and implements it through a simple hardware setting element. Users can now configure cloud transmission mode by physically setting a jumper or switch, eliminating the need for Bluetooth pairing, WLAN connections, or device configuration software, thereby dramatically improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electronic configuration systems with a simple mechanical setting element. This substitution transforms a multi-step software configuration process into a single physical action, making the system much easier to operate while preserving the ability to adapt between public and private cloud modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple software interfaces are provided for configuration, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and security gaps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential cloud selection functionality from multiple software interfaces and implements it through a single hardware setting element. This approach maintains the adaptability to choose between public and private cloud while eliminating the complexity of multiple software interfaces and their associated security gaps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces multiple electronic software interfaces with a single mechanical setting element. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity by removing Bluetooth, WLAN, and configuration software components, while preserving the adaptive capability to select different cloud transmission modes through a simple physical setting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3729737B1Fieldbus component with a setting element for configuring data transfer to a cloud

Publication Date: 2022.01.05 ENDRESS HAUSER PROCESS SOLUTIONS AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a fieldbus component that is designed to transfer data for transfer to a cloud either in a first data transfer mode to a public cloud or in a second data transfer mode to a private cloud. The fieldbus component comprises a setting element that can be optionally put into a first setting or a second setting. The fieldbus component is designed to transfer data for transfer to a cloud to the public cloud in accordance with the first data transfer mode if the setting element is in the first setting, and to transfer data for transfer to a cloud to the private cloud in accordance with the second data transfer mode if the setting element is in the second setting.