Flat Wireless Adapter for Retrofitting Valve Positioners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless connection modules for valve positioners in process plants cannot be retrofitted, limiting their ability to transmit status data wirelessly.
Innovation Solution
A flat adapter for wireless data transmission that can be retrofitted into existing valve positioners, equipped with a processor, optical signaling, and various data transmission standards, allowing wireless data transmission and display of the operating status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless connection module is integrated into a valve positioner, then wireless data transmission capability is achieved, but the device cannot be retrofitted into existing valve positioners
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication functionality is segmented into a separate, removable adapter module that can be independently manufactured and then installed into existing valve positioners. This segmentation allows the wireless capability to be added without redesigning the entire valve positioner system, enabling retrofitting while maintaining wireless data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component that bridges the existing valve positioner infrastructure with wireless communication technology. It interfaces with the existing HART interface and provides wireless connectivity through Bluetooth Low Energy, allowing wireless data transmission without modifying the core valve positioner unit.
2Ease of manufacture
If the adapter is designed with a flat structure for retrofitting, then installation in existing valve positioners is enabled, but the housing must be extremely compact
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter housing transitions from a traditional three-dimensional cylindrical shape to a flattened, disc-like structure. This dimensional change allows the adapter to fit into the limited space of existing valve positioner windows while maintaining all necessary functional components for wireless communication and status indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter employs a thin, flat housing structure that functions as a flexible shell, accommodating the processor, transceiver, and optical signaling components within a compressed form factor that enables retrofit installation in existing valve positioners without requiring significant internal volume.
3Reliability
If the adapter uses a force-fitting clamping mechanism with teeth, then secure installation in the window is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates asymmetrically positioned outwardly projecting teeth on its circumferential edge, designed to engage with corresponding features in the valve positioner window. This asymmetric configuration provides reliable mechanical retention through a force-fitting clamping mechanism while accommodating reasonable manufacturing tolerances through the geometric design of the engagement features.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an adapter (200) for wireless data transmission, more particularly in accordance with the Bluetooth Low Energy standard. The adapter has a cylindrical housing (300), the radius of which is at least twice the height thereof. The adapter contains a wireless transceiver and a processor, which is arranged in the cylindrical housing and is connected to the wireless transceiver, and a data interface which is connected to the processor. The processor is configured for controlling the transceiver and the data interface and is able to transmit data wirelessly with the help of said interface. Because the adapter for wireless data transmission is flat, it can be retrofitted in valve positioners. It this way, it is possible to retrofit said adapter to current valve positioners, which previously had no possibility of wirelessly transmitting their status data. As a result, said current valve positioners also gain the ability to transmit their status data wirelessly.