Positioner Sensor Power Cycling for Current Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional positioners face challenges in maintaining high functionality while adhering to the limited electric current supply, leading to instability in exhibiting all functions simultaneously due to increased current requirements for additional sensors and diagnostic functions.
Innovation Solution
A positioner design that differentiates between control sensors and non-control sensors, controlling the power supply to prevent simultaneous operation and optimizing power cycle times to manage electric current consumption, allowing for high functionality without inadequate supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensors and diagnostic functions are added to the positioner, then functionality and measurement precision are improved, but electric current consumption increases beyond the limited supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling sensors to operate in alternating cycles rather than continuously. The control unit switches between first sensors and second sensors at different time points, allowing each sensor type to function periodically while maintaining overall system functionality. This reduces instantaneous power consumption to fit within the limited 4mA supply while still providing comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing sensors into distinct groups (first sensors for control and second sensors for diagnostics) that operate at different times. This segmentation allows the system to manage power consumption by activating only one sensor group at a time, while still providing both control and diagnostic functions through coordinated operation of the segmented sensor groups.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors operate simultaneously, then measurement precision and diagnostic capability are improved, but stability deteriorates due to inadequate power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic action by switching between different sensor groups at predetermined time intervals. First sensors operate during first time periods while second sensors operate during second time periods, ensuring that sensors are activated in a stable, controlled sequence rather than simultaneously. This periodic operation maintains measurement precision while ensuring system stability within power constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary action by determining which sensors to activate and when, based on predetermined control logic. Before activating any sensor, the control unit prepares the power supply and timing sequence to ensure stable operation. This preliminary coordination prevents power supply instability that would occur if multiple sensors were activated without proper sequencing.
3Ease of operation
If power is supplied to all sensors continuously, then ease of operation and functionality are improved, but electric current consumption exceeds the limited supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the power supply to sensors in alternating cycles. The control unit switches power between first sensors and second sensors at different time points, ensuring that sensors receive power periodically rather than continuously. This maintains operational convenience by ensuring sensors are functional when needed while reducing average power consumption to fit within the 4mA limit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit applies discarding and recovering by temporarily deactivating (discarding power to) certain sensors during specific time periods, then recovering (restoring power to) them when their measurement is needed. This allows the system to maintain full functionality over time while managing instantaneous power consumption within available supply limits.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply controlling function is provided in a controlling portion. The power supply controlling function defines a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, a third pressure sensor, and an oscillation detecting sensor as sensors to which power may be supplied, and turns switches that are provided in the supply circuits of the power supply to the individual sensors to which power may be supplied ON and OFF so that a plurality of these sensors to which power may be supplied does not operate simultaneously.