Inductive Interface Data Transfer for Field Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measurement arrangements for field devices, such as sensors and measuring transducers, require cumbersome data transfer methods or additional interfaces, making it difficult to transfer digital data efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A measurement arrangement with a first field device having an inductive interface and a data processing unit, connected to a data transfer device with a complementary inductive interface, utilizing a data transfer module like a Bluetooth Low Energy module or a 2-D barcode reader to temporarily transfer digital data without needing an additional interface, allowing fast connection and disconnection for sensor operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an additional interface is used for data transfer, then data transfer capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inductive interface is designed to serve multiple functions: both sensor communication and data transfer operations. By making the interface universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated data transfer interfaces, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full data transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing inductive interface performs data transfer operations on its own without requiring external additional interfaces. The interface leverages its own capability to establish wireless connections, allowing it to service both sensor communication and data transfer needs independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If a dedicated data transfer interface is added, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to more connection steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidconnection simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inductive interface serves dual purposes as both a sensor communication channel and a data transfer interface. This universality means users interact with a single interface type for all operations, maintaining connection simplicity while achieving efficient data transfer through the same established wireless protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the inductive interface is permanently occupied for data transfer, then data transfer reliability is improved, but sensor operation availability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidsensor operation availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The inductive interface operates dynamically, switching between sensor communication mode and data transfer mode as needed. During data transfer operations, the interface is temporarily occupied, but it automatically returns to sensor communication mode afterward, ensuring both reliable data transfer and continuous sensor operation availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The interface alternates between different operational states in a periodic manner: performing data transfer operations when needed, then returning to normal sensor communication. This periodic switching ensures that data transfer reliability is achieved during transfer windows while sensor operation availability is maintained during communication windows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 simple and efficient transfer of digital data to field devices, preserving the inductive interface for sensor operations and providing a method to transfer unlock codes, settings, software, and calibration data, thereby enhancing the functionality of field devices without the need for extra interfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a first (in particular, an inductive) interface and wherein a second process automation technology field device can be connected to the first interface, and a data transfer device having a second (in particular, inductive) interface that is designed to complement the first interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10510246B2Measurement arrangement and method for temporarily transferring digital data from a source

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 ENDRESS HAUSER CONDUCTA GMBH CO KG

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a measurement arrangement including: a first process automation technology field device, wherein the first field device includes a first inductive interface and a data processing unit, and wherein a second process automation technology field device can be connected to the first interface; and a data transfer device having a second inductive interface that is designed to complement the first interface, wherein the data transfer device can be connected via this to the first field device, wherein the data transfer device includes a data transfer module with which digital data can be transferred from a source to the data processing unit of the first field device via the data transfer device and the first or second inductive interface. The present disclosure likewise relates to a method for temporarily transmitting digital data from a source to a field device.