Removable Display Module with Wireless Interface for Field Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display and operating modules for field devices in industrial environments often require cumbersome cable connections for power and communication, limiting flexibility and safety due to potential spark risks, especially in explosive protection scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A removable display and operating module with an integrated energy storage device for wireless operation, featuring a radio interface for communication and a power supply interface for wired connection, designed to prevent spark formation and allow for remote parameterization and data reading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cable connection is used for power and communication between the field device and display module, then reliable power supply and data transmission are achieved, but installation complexity increases and spark risks arise in explosive environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cable connection from the system by introducing an energy storage device (battery) that enables the display module to operate independently without continuous power supply through cables. This eliminates the physical connection while maintaining power supply functionality, thereby reducing installation complexity and eliminating spark risks associated with cable connections in explosive environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. Data transmission that previously required physical cable connections is now achieved through wireless protocols, eliminating the need for cable installation and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining communication reliability.

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

2Reliability

If a cable connection is used for power supply, then continuous power is guaranteed, but spark risks increase in explosive protection scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply continuityVSAvoidspark risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the cable connection that poses spark risks by introducing an energy storage device. The battery provides continuous power to the display module without requiring cable connections, thereby eliminating the source of potential sparks while maintaining power supply continuity in explosive environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a rechargeable energy storage device that can be replaced or recharged when depleted. This approach allows the system to maintain continuous operation without permanent cable connections, accepting the need for periodic recharging or replacement as a trade-off for eliminating spark risks in explosive atmospheres.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the energy storage device is made larger to extend operation time, then wireless operation duration increases, but the risk of sparking increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless operation durationVSAvoidspark risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a power management strategy where the energy storage device is sized to provide sufficient power for typical wireless operation periods without being excessively large. The system accepts limited operation duration between recharges as a reasonable trade-off, ensuring the battery remains compact and minimizes spark risks while still providing adequate wireless operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic recharging of the energy storage device to maintain continuous operation. Instead of using a large battery that increases spark risks, the system uses a smaller battery that is recharged periodically when connected to the field device, thereby extending effective operation time without increasing the battery size and associated spark hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Ease of operation

If wireless communication is implemented for remote operation, then flexibility and ease of operation improve, but data transmission reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the field device as an intermediary for data transmission. The display module communicates wirelessly with the field device, which then handles data transmission to the control system. This intermediary approach maintains data transmission reliability by utilizing the existing reliable communication infrastructure of the field device while enabling wireless operation and improved flexibility for the display module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables safe and flexible operation of field devices with wireless communication and power supply, reducing installation complexity and enhancing safety by minimizing spark risks, while maintaining data security and accuracy in industrial settings.

Implementation Method 1

The removable display and operating module has an energy storage device that is designed to supply energy to the display and operating module when the display and operating module is removed from the field device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

a radio interface, which is configured for wireless communication with the field device, and in particular for receiving display data from the field device and transmitting parameter data to the field device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Data Source

PatentEP3918282B1Removable display and control module for a field device
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 VEGA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO
  • EP3918282B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a removable display and control module for a field device, comprising an energy storage unit, an energy supply interface and a wireless interface for wireless communication with the field device.