Industrial Automation Updates via Self-Powered LPWAN Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for updating industrial automation devices are cumbersome, requiring unpacking, connecting to a power source, and using memory sticks, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially when devices are in transit or storage.
Innovation Solution
Integration of self-powered low consumption units within industrial automation devices that connect to low-power wide area wireless networks, enabling feature updates via a low-power wide area network protocol, allowing updates even when the device is not powered on and during transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional updating methods (unpacking, connecting to power source, using memory sticks) are used, then updates can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and requires device to be unpacked and powered on
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling updates to be performed before the device is deployed or during transportation. Update data is transferred to the device while it is still in packaging or during transit, so that when the device reaches its destination and is powered on, the updates are already in place. This eliminates the need for on-site unpacking and updating operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical updating process (physical connection via memory sticks, manual power connection, unpacking operations) with a wireless communication-based system. Update data is transmitted wirelessly to the device, eliminating the need for physical intervention, unpacking, and manual power connection.
2Productivity
If device is updated during transportation or storage, then on-site update time is reduced, but device must remain in packaging without power source connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the device to receive and store update data autonomously during transportation or storage without requiring external power connection or human intervention. The device's internal power source (battery or energy harvesting components) sustains the minimal power needed for wireless communication and data storage, allowing the device to update itself in the background during transit.
3Ease of operation
If wireless network connection is added for remote updates, then update ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the wireless communication module to serve multiple functions: it enables remote update data reception, provides device status reporting capabilities, and supports future expansion to other wireless services. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing long-term value beyond just update operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a server as an intermediary between the update source and the device. The server manages update data storage, processing, and wireless transmission to the device, simplifying the device's architecture by offloading complex update management functions to the external server infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
To update an industrial automation device, the industrial automation device will comprise electronic part -powered means for connecting wirelessly to a low-power wide area network, said electronic part -powered means comprising first identification information in the low-power wide area network and being arranged at least to receive data addressed to the first identification information and store the data received. The industrial automation device will also comprise means for updating, in response to connecting the industrial automation device to the electrical network, one or more features in the industrial automation device by the data received.