NFC Setting Transfer for Industrial Wireless Sensor Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless devices in industrial settings face challenges with workability and efficiency due to the need for manual connection via cables, exposure to harsh environments, and difficulties in reading setting information, especially when failures occur or batteries run out, leading to increased battery consumption and complex replacement processes.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication system that includes sensor devices and a gateway apparatus capable of near-field communication (NFC) for setting information transfer, using NFC tags to store and retrieve settings, and allowing power supply from external devices, enabling remote updating and power management to improve work efficiency and reduce battery consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired connection is used for setting transfer, then connection stability is improved, but work efficiency and ease of operation deteriorate due to cable insertion complexity and exposure to harsh environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The setting transfer device establishes wireless communication with the wireless device to transfer setting information, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining reliable data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The setting transfer device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the wireless device. It receives setting information from the operator and transfers it wirelessly to the target wireless device, simplifying the operation process without requiring direct wired connection at the installation location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If hardware switch is used for power management, then power consumption control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates in harsh environments requiring protection against water, dust, and explosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption controlVSAvoidoperability in harsh environment
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardware switch with wireless communication for power management. The setting transfer device wirelessly transmits wake-up signals to activate the wireless device from sleep mode, and can also wirelessly receive power transmission to operate the device without physical contact, eliminating the need for exposed mechanical switches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The setting transfer device serves as an intermediary for power management operations. It transmits wake-up signals wirelessly to activate the wireless device and can receive power wirelessly through NFC, providing a protected interface that doesn't require physical exposure to harsh environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If wireless communication is used for setting transfer, then work efficiency and ease of operation are improved, but connection stability and reliability may deteriorate in harsh industrial environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The setting transfer device acts as a reliable intermediary that manages the wireless communication process. It establishes stable wireless connections, transfers setting information reliably, and can also provide wired connection capabilities as a backup or alternative method to ensure connection stability in harsh industrial environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The setting transfer device provides multiple communication modes including wireless communication for efficient setting transfer and wired connection capabilities for enhanced reliability. This multi-functional approach ensures both work efficiency and connection stability can be achieved depending on environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances workability and work efficiency by allowing remote updating and management of setting information, reducing exposure to harsh environments, and conserving battery power through NFC-based operations, facilitating easier replacement and maintenance of wireless devices.

Implementation Method 1

capable of near-field communication (NFC) for setting information transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-field communication (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

allowing power supply from external devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3089485B1Wireless device, gateway apparatus, and wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3089485B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3089485B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3089485B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless device that performs an operation based on setting information includes a wireless communicator configured to perform wireless communication over a wireless network, a near field communicator comprising a memory storing the setting information and configured to perform transmission and reception of the setting information stored in the memory by near field communication, and a controller configured to control at least the wireless communicator.