Removable Power Module With Battery Polarity Check for Wireless Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless field devices face issues with battery replacement, including incorrect installation, polarity reversal, and potential damage to equipment due to improper battery installation, which can lead to device malfunction and violate safety standards.
Innovation Solution
A removable industrial power module with integrated battery test circuitry that includes a visible reset indicator and LED indicators for polarity and voltage verification, ensuring correct battery installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If battery replacement is allowed in wireless field devices, then device maintenance and operation continuity are improved, but risk of incorrect installation and polarity reversal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing visual indicators (LEDs) that show battery polarity and voltage status before the battery is fully installed. The indicators are visible through the transparent cover, allowing users to verify correct polarity alignment and adequate voltage levels before completing the battery replacement, thus preventing incorrect installation and equipment damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by incorporating visual feedback mechanisms (LED indicators) that provide real-time information about battery condition and installation correctness. The first LED indicates polarity correctness, the second LED indicates voltage adequacy, and the third LED indicates charging status, enabling users to adjust their actions based on the feedback to ensure proper battery installation
2Reliability
If battery condition monitoring is implemented, then device reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the single removable power module: battery storage, battery test circuitry with multiple LED indicators for polarity/voltage/charging status, and reset functionality. This integration allows comprehensive battery monitoring and control without requiring separate external devices, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through functional consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The power module serves multiple functions: it provides power to the wireless field device, monitors battery condition through LED indicators, prevents incorrect installation through polarity detection, and enables device reset after battery replacement. This multi-functionality improves reliability by addressing multiple potential failure modes within a single component
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators are added to the power module, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes (different LED colors or states) to convey battery status information visually. The LEDs can display different colors or illumination patterns to indicate polarity correctness, voltage levels, and charging status, making it easy for users to understand battery condition and installation correctness without requiring technical expertise or additional testing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The power module with visual indicators enables self-service battery replacement by providing all necessary information (polarity, voltage, charging status) directly at the device. Users can independently verify correct installation and battery condition without requiring technician intervention or external testing equipment, thus improving ease of operation
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
Ensures proper battery installation and operation, preventing device malfunction and safety violations by providing visual feedback on battery polarity and condition, thereby reducing the need for additional field testing and technician intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the battery test circuitry includes a visual indicator which provides a visual output related to the condition of the replaceable battery
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless process variable transmitter (10) for use in an industrial process includes a process variable sensor (40) configured to sense a process variable of the industrial process. Measurement circuitry (42) connected to the process variable sensor provides (40) an output related to the sensed process variable. Wireless communication circuitry (48) connected to the measurement circuitry (42) wirelessly transmits information related to the sensed process variable to a remote location. A removable industrial power module (12) is configured to hold a replaceable battery (50) and provide power to the process variable sensor (40), the measurement circuitry (42) and the wireless communication circuitry (48). Battery test circuitry (54) in the removable industrial power module (12) connects to the replaceable battery (50) and provides a visual output related to a condition of the replaceable battery (50).