NFC Fault Retrieval for De-Energized Automation Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial automation settings, maintenance technicians face challenges when performing tasks on automation devices that require access to internal parameters, as existing systems necessitate the devices to be energized, leading to safety hazards, increased costs, and operational delays.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip in automation devices allows technicians to interface with the devices using a mobile device, enabling the retrieval and loading of data such as fault codes and configuration selections when the device is in a powered-off state, thus eliminating the need for energized operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the automation device is energized to access internal parameters for maintenance and troubleshooting, then technicians can retrieve fault codes and configuration data, but electrical hazards increase and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an NFC chip as an intermediary component that stores device information, fault codes, and configuration data externally. Technicians can access this data through mobile devices without energizing the automation device, thereby eliminating electrical hazards while maintaining full access to diagnostic information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts critical device data (fault codes, configuration parameters, identification information) from the automation device's internal memory and stores it in the NFC chip. This extraction allows technicians to retrieve necessary information without accessing the energized device, thus removing the electrical hazard while preserving data accessibility
2Reliability
If specialized safety equipment and training are implemented to work with energized devices, then technician safety is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC chip enables the automation device to provide its own diagnostic and configuration information without requiring technician intervention with specialized safety equipment. The system serves itself by making data accessible through simple NFC communication, eliminating the need for expensive safety equipment and extensive training programs
3Loss of information
If the automation device must be energized to perform maintenance tasks, then technicians can access real-time device state, but operational delays occur due to safety procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading device identification, fault codes, and configuration data into the NFC chip before maintenance is needed. This allows technicians to immediately access all necessary information upon approaching the device with a mobile device, eliminating time-consuming safety procedures and device energization requirements
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the automation device is powered off to eliminate electrical hazards, then safety is improved, but access to device data is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC chip serves as a mediator that maintains device information independently of the automation device's power state. The chip retains fault codes, configuration data, and identification information even when the device is powered off, allowing technicians to access complete device data in a safe, de-energized state
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces electrical hazards during maintenance, decreases operational costs by minimizing the need for specialized equipment and training, and reduces downtime, while also enabling energy savings by not requiring devices to be energized during maintenance procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip... The fault code is obtained wirelessly via an NFC link
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes an industrial automation environment including an industrial device in communication with a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip. The automation device identifies a fault condition and loads a fault code associated with the fault in the NFC chip. When the device is powered off, a mobile device retrieves the fault code from the NFC chip to facilitate device-troubleshooting. In some implementations, the mobile device loads configuration parameters into the NFC chip when the automation device is powered off. Upon startup, the automation device retrieves the configuration parameters and configures itself accordingly.