RFID Field Station Parameter Setting via Inductive Tag

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for setting parameters of field stations in automation networks require expensive infrastructure and manual components like buttons or coding wheels, making them inefficient and costly, especially for small applications.

Innovation Solution

A method using inductive RFID technology with electronic setting tags to automatically set parameters, such as network addresses, by recognizing the tag, initializing parameters based on its presence, incrementing them at a predefined frequency, and transmitting signals through a light-emitting diode when the tag is within range, allowing parameter determination and storage without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual components like buttons or coding wheels are used to set parameters, then parameter setting can be performed, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter setting operationVSAvoidstation structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical components (buttons, coding wheels) with an electronic RFID-based parameter setting system. The field station uses its antenna to wirelessly communicate with an electronic setting tag, eliminating the need for manual mechanical interfaces and reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electronic setting tag as an intermediary between the operator and the field station. This tag serves as a mediator that carries parameter information and enables wireless communication, replacing direct manual interaction with the station's internal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a terminal connected to each station is used for parameter setting, then parameters can be configured, but the infrastructure becomes heavy and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter configuration capabilityVSAvoidinfrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the parameter setting functionality from the heavy terminal infrastructure and consolidates it into a portable electronic setting tag. This allows parameter configuration to be performed with a simple tag instead of requiring connection to complex external terminal equipment at each station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The field station performs parameter setting autonomously by recognizing and communicating with the electronic setting tag that passes within its antenna range. The station self-configures its parameters based on the tag's presence and duration, eliminating the need for external terminal infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If adjustment components are implemented in stations, then parameters can be set, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter setting functionalityVSAvoidstation structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical adjustment components with an electronic wireless communication system. The field station uses its existing antenna to communicate with the electronic setting tag, eliminating the need for additional mechanical adjustment parts and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining parameter setting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 simple, rapid, and cost-effective parameter setting for field stations, reducing the need for manual components and infrastructure, and allowing configuration of network addresses and other parameters in automation networks.

Implementation Method 1

Each field station has an antenna generating a magnetic field for powering each electronic tag passing within its range and for communicating with the latter according to a predefined communication protocol. The tag is powered by the 'carrier' transmitted from the station's antenna. The energy received by the tag's antenna is converted to electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

For this purpose, the signalling unit includes a light-emitting diode emitting a flash of light each time the parameter increments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS7436307B2Method and system for setting parameters of a field station in a communications network

Publication Date: 2008.10.14 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS

AI summary

A method is presented for setting parameters of a field station equipped with an antenna for exchanging data in a contactless manner through RFID technology with electronic tags, the field station equipped with a signalling unit and equipped with electronic circuits including a memory containing at least one parameter. The invention consists in particular of updating a field station parameter as a function of the duration for which an electronic setting tag remains within the range of the field station antenna and of transmitting a signal using a signalling unit when the parameter of the field station is being updated.