RFID Tag Configuration Transfer for Industrial Communication Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

In industrial communication systems, replacing a first communication device with a second device efficiently while ensuring continuity of service is challenging due to issues like dust accumulation, misplacement, and cybersecurity risks associated with using SD cards for configuration.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a mechanical part and an RFID tag linked to a processing unit and memory, which receives configuration data from the first device, stores it, and automatically transfers it to the second device for seamless configuration, eliminating human error and cybersecurity risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If SD card is used for configuration, then configuration transfer is simple, but cybersecurity risk increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration transfer simplicityVSAvoidcybersecurity reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical SD card insertion method with a wireless RFID-based configuration transfer system. The RFID tag and reader enable automatic configuration data transfer without physical media handling, eliminating dust accumulation and misplacement issues while maintaining operational simplicity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary carrier between the first and second communication devices. This intermediary enables secure, contactless configuration data transfer without requiring direct human intervention or physical media handling, thus improving both ease of operation and cybersecurity reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual configuration is performed, then cybersecurity can be controlled, but productivity decreases and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecybersecurity controlVSAvoiddevice replacement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the RFID tag with the first communication device's configuration data before replacement. This allows the second device to automatically retrieve and apply the configuration data during replacement, eliminating manual configuration steps while maintaining security through automated verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service configuration transfer where the RFID system automatically handles the entire configuration process without human intervention. The second communication device autonomously retrieves configuration data from the RFID tag and applies it, significantly improving productivity while maintaining cybersecurity through automated security protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If SD card is used, then configuration storage is simple, but loss and misplacement risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration storage simplicityVSAvoidconfiguration data reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the physical SD card storage mechanism with a wireless RFID storage system. Configuration data is stored in the RFID tag's memory and transferred wirelessly, eliminating the physical card that can be lost or misplaced, thus improving data reliability while maintaining storage simplicity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tag serves multiple functions: it stores configuration data, enables wireless communication, and provides secure data transfer. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate physical media, improving both ease of manufacture and reliability by combining storage and transmission in a single reliable component.

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

Enables automatic, plug-and-play configuration of the second device, ensuring continuity of service without cybersecurity risks and ensuring compatibility with specific communication device structures.

Implementation Method 1

a RFID tag linked to a processing unit and a memory, wherein the RFID tag comprises a receiver configured to receive a first input signal from a first RFID reading device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio-Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4418706A1Configuration of an industrial communication system
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP4418706A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4418706A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4418706A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus (APP) for configuration of a second communication device (CD2) intended to replace a first communication device (CD1), comprising: a mechanical part adapted to complete the structure of the first communication device (CD1) and the structure of the second communication device (CD2), a RFID tag (RT) linked to a processing unit (PU) and a memory (MEM), wherein the RFID tag comprises a receiver configured to receive a first input signal from a first RFID reading device located in the first communication device (CD1), wherein the first input signal comprises configuration data (ConfD) of the first communication device (CD1), when the apparatus is linked to the first communication device (CD1), wherein the processing unit (PU) is configured to store the configuration data (ConfD) in the memory (MEM), wherein the receiver is further configured to receive a second input signal from a second RFID reading device located in the second communication device (CD2), wherein the second input signal comprises a request for configuration data, when the apparatus is linked to the second communication device (CD2), wherein the processing unit (PU) is configured to retrieve the configuration data (ConfD) in the memory (MEM), wherein the RFID tag comprises a transmitter configured to transmit an output signal to the second RFID reading device, wherein the output signal comprises the configuration data (ConfD).