Mobile Communication Device with Wired Interface Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial automation systems require different communication devices for various operating modes, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for separate devices and management procedures.

Innovation Solution

A mobile communication device with wireless functionality that connects to a fixed interface, equipped with a sensor to detect its connection state, allowing for seamless transition between wireless and wired data interchange, and enabling the same device to be used across all system modes without the need for additional devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different communication devices are used for different system modes (setup mode and normal mode), then the system can have optimized functionality for each mode, but the device complexity and management costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality for different modesVSAvoidnumber of devices and management procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between wireless communication mode (for setup operations requiring mobility) and wired communication mode (for normal operation). A single device handles both setup mode and normal mode communication needs, eliminating the requirement for separate communication devices for different system states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication device dynamically changes its communication mode (wireless or wired) based on the system's operating state. The device can switch between different communication interfaces and functionalities depending on whether the system is in setup mode or normal mode, allowing adaptive behavior without requiring multiple dedicated devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If wireless communication devices are used during setup mode for maximal operator mobility, then the operator can freely monitor and configure subprocesses, but the devices consume battery power and create load on the radio network during normal mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator mobilityVSAvoidbattery consumption and radio network load

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device dynamically switches between wireless and wired communication modes based on operational requirements. During setup mode, the device operates in wireless mode to provide maximal operator mobility. During normal mode, the device connects via wired interface to eliminate battery consumption and radio network load, while maintaining communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication functionality is extracted and used only when necessary (during setup mode), while the wired communication interface is used for normal operations. This separation allows the system to benefit from wireless mobility only when needed, avoiding the continuous energy consumption and radio network load during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a single mobile communication device is used for all system modes, then device procurement and management costs are reduced, but the device must handle both wireless and wired communication functionalities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of devices requiredVSAvoidcommunication interface capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device is designed with universal functionality to handle both wireless and wired communication interfaces. It can operate in wireless mode during setup operations and switch to wired mode during normal operations, making a single device sufficient for all communication needs across different system modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines wireless communication capabilities and wired communication capabilities into a single communication device. This merging of functionalities allows the device to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring separate specialized devices for each communication mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8063733B2Device for communicating with a system

Publication Date: 2011.11.22 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

A device for communicating with a system, especially for operating and monitoring an automated industrial manufacturing system is described. The device contains a mobile communication device for wireless exchange of data with the system. Further, the device also includes a fixed installed connection for the communication device and a sensor recognizing whether the communication device is connected to the fixed installed connection.