Tool-Less Modular Transmitter Interface for Sensor Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost of field sensors and sensor network infrastructure presents significant barriers to the adoption of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions, and existing technologies lack modular and adaptable measurement and control platforms to efficiently support diverse industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

A modular industrial transmitter architecture featuring a communication module with a common interface that can be tool-lessly coupled to various sensor modules, enabling quick adaptation to different communication protocols and sensor types, ensuring compatibility and efficiency across diverse industrial applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed-architecture transmitters are used, then system reliability is maintained, but adaptability to different sensor types and communication protocols is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different sensor modulesVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter is divided into separate functional modules: a communication module and interchangeable sensor modules. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to adapt to different applications by swapping sensor modules while maintaining the core communication architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The common interface is designed to accommodate multiple types of sensor modules through a single standardized connection mechanism. This universal interface allows one communication module to work with various sensor types (pressure, temperature, flow, etc.) without requiring different hardware architectures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If tool-less coupling is implemented for quick module interchange, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of module couplingVSAvoidinterface alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling interface incorporates asymmetric features including a keyed connection that allows insertion in only one orientation, and a snap-fit mechanism with directional engagement. This asymmetric design guides proper alignment during tool-less coupling while preventing misalignment, balancing ease of operation with manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The interface design concentrates precision requirements at specific critical locations (such as the electrical contact points and mechanical engagement features) while allowing more tolerance in non-critical areas. This localized precision approach maintains ease of assembly while ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical connections where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20240235002A9Modular tool-less interface for industrial transmitter

Publication Date: 2024.07.11 ROSEMOUNT INC

AI summary

A modular industrial transmitter includes a communication module and a sensor module. The communication module is configured to communicate with a remote device and has a common interface configured to couple to a plurality of different types of sensor modules. The sensor module is coupled to the common interface of the communication module. Physical coupling of the communication module to the sensor module is performed tool-lessly.