Level Meter Retrofit Module for Safe Commissioning and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level measuring devices in the process industry require numerous reference measurements for safety and accuracy during commissioning and operation, but existing solutions do not efficiently address the need for reliable and safe operation, particularly in safety-critical environments.
Innovation Solution
A service and retrofit module is introduced that can be temporarily or permanently connected to level sensors to enhance safety functions, providing additional hardware and software components, monitoring, and communication with cloud services to ensure safe operation and commissioning, and can lock the device against unauthorized changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a service module is permanently connected to the level sensor, then safety level is improved, but hardware cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The service module's connection state is made dynamic rather than fixed. It can be temporarily connected during commissioning to perform safety functions, then disconnected when no longer needed. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt its safety level based on operational phase, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high safety standards and avoiding permanent hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety functionality is segmented into a separate service module that can be independently connected or disconnected from the level sensor. This segmentation allows the safety functions to be provided only when needed (during commissioning or specific operational phases), rather than requiring all systems to permanently carry the hardware complexity of full safety infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If cloud services are used during commissioning, then measurement quality determination is improved, but communication requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The service module acts as an intermediary between the level sensor and cloud services. During commissioning, it establishes temporary communication with cloud services to determine measurement quality. This intermediary approach allows high-quality measurement verification without requiring the level sensor itself to have permanent cloud connectivity, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a service and retrofit device for a level measuring device, wherein the service and retrofit device is configured to be connected to the level measuring device during commissioning and/or operation of the level measuring device; wherein the service and retrofit device is configured to be coupled to an operating terminal for the level measuring device; and wherein the service and retrofit device is configured to retrofit at least one additional functionality from a hardware or software component for the commissioning and/or operation of the level measuring device, at least temporarily.