Measuring Device Dynamic Clock Rate Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Process automation measuring devices face challenges in achieving high temporal resolution and measurement accuracy while managing limited energy resources, particularly in two-wire devices, which often compromise on measuring accuracy and feature availability due to constant power constraints.
Innovation Solution
The measuring device operates in two modes: a measuring mode with a higher clock rate for frequent data sampling and an operating mode with a lower clock rate for parameter input and display, ensuring the total energy consumption remains constant by adjusting the clock rates of the control and display units proportionally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the clock rate is increased to improve temporal resolution and measurement accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the energy requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock rate adjustment where the control unit operates at different clock rates depending on the operational mode. In measurement mode, a higher clock rate is used to achieve high temporal resolution and measurement accuracy. In operating mode, a lower clock rate is used to reduce energy consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter (clock rate) based on the required function. By switching between a first clock rate for measurement and a second clock rate for operation, the system optimizes the balance between measurement precision and energy consumption, allowing high accuracy when needed while conserving energy during normal operation.
2Productivity
If the clock rate is increased to improve temporal resolution, then the productivity is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the clock rate based on operational requirements. During measurement mode, the higher clock rate provides high temporal resolution for capturing rapid process changes. During operating mode, the lower clock rate reduces energy consumption while maintaining sufficient functionality. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between productivity and energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between measurement mode (high clock rate) and operating mode (low clock rate). This periodic action allows the system to achieve high temporal resolution when measurement is required while conserving energy during parameter input and display operations, thus balancing productivity and energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If additional features like illuminated display and touch screen are added to improve ease of operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the energy requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clock rate adjustment that accounts for the operational state. When the display and operating elements are active (providing ease of operation), the system operates at a higher clock rate to support these features. When these features are not in use, the system switches to a lower clock rate to reduce energy consumption. This resolves the contradiction by making the energy consumption proportional to the actual usage of ease-of-operation features.
4Reliability
If a constant clock rate is used to ensure sufficient power availability, then the reliability is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the constant clock rate approach with a dynamic clock rate system that adapts to operational requirements. By switching between a first clock rate for measurement and a second clock rate for operation, the system ensures sufficient power availability while achieving high measurement precision when needed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the clock rate flexible rather than fixed.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring device (1) for process automation technology, for measuring at least one process variable of a medium, wherein a regulation/control unit (3) is provided which measures the process variable with at least one specifiable clock rate and provides a measured value, wherein an energy requirement of the measuring device (1) is connected to the clock rate. A display/operating unit (2) is provided, which displays the measured value and/or enables the measuring device (1) to be operated or parameters to be input thereon. The invention includes the fact that the display/operating unit (2) switches the regulation/control unit (3) of the measuring device (1) from a measuring mode into an operating mode. In the operating mode, the regulation/control unit (3) measures the process variable with a first clock rate, and in the measuring mode, the regulation/control unit (3) measures the process variable with a second clock rate. The first clock rate and the second clock rate are defined such that the second clock rate is greater than the first clock rate and the overall energy requirement of the measuring device (1) is identical in the operating mode and in the measuring mode.