Flameproof Input Intrinsically Safe Transmitter Wireless Hazardous Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intrinsically-safe but non-flameproof loop current measurement and dry contact status transmitters cannot be placed in hazardous areas, limiting the wireless transmission of loop electrical signal measurement values and dry contact status information.

Innovation Solution

A flameproof input intrinsically-safe output transmitter system that allows wireless transmission of loop electrical signal measurement values and dry contact status from flameproof equipment placed in hazardous areas, using an electrical input signal transmitter circuit powered by an intrinsically-safe terminal and hybrid communication with a built-in battery type wireless device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an intrinsically-safe but non-flameproof transmitter is used for loop current measurement or dry contact status transmission, then wireless transmission capability is achieved, but the transmitter cannot be placed in hazardous areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless transmission capabilityVSAvoidplacement restriction in hazardous area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two distinct parts: a flameproof transmitter unit that can be safely placed in hazardous areas to perform measurements, and an intrinsically-safe wireless communication unit that handles data transmission. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its safety certification boundaries, enabling wireless transmission from hazardous areas without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary flameproof transmitter that sits between the hazardous area environment and the intrinsically-safe wireless communication system. This intermediary performs the measurement function in the hazardous area and communicates results to the wireless device, acting as a safe bridge that enables wireless capability while maintaining placement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a flameproof transmitter is placed in a hazardous area, then placement flexibility is improved, but wireless transmission capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement freedom in hazardous areaVSAvoidwireless transmission capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the flameproof measurement functionality with intrinsically-safe wireless communication capabilities into a single integrated transmitter unit. This combination allows the device to maintain flameproof certification for hazardous area placement while simultaneously providing wireless transmission capability, eliminating the need to choose between placement flexibility and wireless functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitter is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a flameproof measurement device for hazardous areas and as an intrinsically-safe wireless communication unit. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions that were previously requiring separate equipment, enabling both safe placement in hazardous areas and wireless transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If loop current measurement is performed in an intrinsically-safe 4-20 mA loop, then measurement accuracy is improved, but equipment insertion is prohibited in Japan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloop current measurement accuracyVSAvoidequipment insertion permission

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement function is extracted from the intrinsically-safe loop and placed into a flameproof transmitter unit that can be inserted into the hazardous area environment. This extraction allows the measurement to occur at the source (in the hazardous area) rather than requiring insertion into the intrinsically-safe loop, maintaining measurement accuracy while avoiding the insertion prohibition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the measurement functionality in a flameproof transmitter that operates independently in the hazardous area. Instead of inserting measurement equipment into the intrinsically-safe loop, the system uses a flameproof copy of the measurement function that reads the loop current externally, thereby achieving measurement without prohibited insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3582201B1Pressure-resistant input intrinsically-safe output transmitter

Publication Date: 2023.07.05 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP

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Figure 4(a)~4(b)

AI summary

To wirelessly transmit, from intrinsically-safe type equipment placed in a hazardous area, a loop electrical signal measurement value obtained from flameproof type equipment. A flameproof input intrinsically-safe output transmitter covered with a flameproof enclosure includes an intrinsically-safe-side terminal connected to an intrinsically-safe built-in battery type wireless device, a flameproof-side electrical signal terminal configured to input a loop electrical signal, and an electrical input signal transmitter circuit configured to measure the loop electrical signal and transmit a signal in accordance with a measurement result to the intrinsically-safe-side terminal.