NFC Field Module Configuration for Safer Radar Gauge Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices, particularly radar level gauge systems, face complexities and dangers during replacement and maintenance in hazardous environments, necessitating a simplification of installation and service processes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating NFC-circuits in the housing, sensor module, and electronics module to store and retrieve configuration information, allowing for simplified replacement and maintenance by pre-storing settings in the housing, which can be read by new modules, reducing the risk of incorrect configuration and eliminating the need for permanent power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If configuration information is stored in the sensor module or electronics module, then the module can be replaced, but manual reconfiguration is required which complicates replacement and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC circuit in the housing pre-stores configuration information before the sensor module or electronics module is replaced. When a module is replaced, the new module automatically retrieves the pre-stored configuration from the housing's NFC circuit, eliminating manual reconfiguration steps and simplifying the replacement process.
2Reliability
If configuration information is manually transferred during replacement, then accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the configuration information from the housing's NFC circuit and automatically transfers it to the new sensor module or electronics module. This automated copying process eliminates manual configuration steps, reducing both time and potential for human error while maintaining configuration accuracy.
3Reliability
If permanent power supplies are used in modules, then configuration can be stored reliably, but the system requires more complex power management in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration storage function from the replaceable modules (sensor module and electronics module) and places it in the permanent housing structure. The housing's NFC circuit serves as the reliable long-term storage, while the modules only need temporary NFC circuits for reading configuration, eliminating the need for permanent power supplies in the modules themselves.
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 approach simplifies the replacement and installation of field device components by ensuring up-to-date configuration settings are stored in the housing, reducing the risk of incorrect settings and enhancing safety by eliminating the need for manual configuration during module replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a first NFC-circuit configured to receive and store information; a sensor module comprising a sensor and a second NFC-circuit configured to store configuration information
Data Source
AI summary
A field device system configured to determine a process variable, the field device system comprising: a housing, the housing comprising a first NFC-circuit configured to receive and store information; a sensor module comprising a sensor and a second NFC-circuit configured to store configuration information of the sensor, the sensor module being configured to acquire a sensing signal indicative of a process variable value; and an electronics module arranged in the housing and comprising sensing circuitry configured to communicate with the sensor module to receive the sensing signal from the sensor module, the electronics module comprising a third NFC-circuit configured to read configuration information of the sensor module from the second NFC-circuit and to write configuration information of the sensor module and configuration information of the electronics module to the first NFC-circuit.