Rotatable Transmitter Display With Sealed Touch Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial process transmitters often require reorientation of their interfaces, which can expose them to hazardous environments and complicate operator interaction due to the need for physical adjustments, such as removing covers or using current-intensive infrared transceivers.
Innovation Solution
The industrial process transmitter incorporates a display and local operator interface (LOI) circuitry that allows for dynamic orientation modification based on user input, using capacitive touch-activated buttons or mechanically-actuated buttons whose functionality changes with the display orientation, ensuring interaction can occur without exposing the interface to harmful conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the interface orientation is modified by opening the cover and re-orienting the interface, then the display can be oriented in the proper direction for easy readout, but the interface and interconnection pins are exposed to hazardous and corrosive environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical reorientation (physically rotating the display assembly) with software-based rotation. The display controller rotates the displayed information electronically based on detected transmitter orientation, allowing the display to be properly oriented without physically moving any components or opening covers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects its own orientation using acceleration sensors and autonomously rotates the display output to the correct orientation without requiring operator intervention to open covers or manually reposition components. The transmitter self-adjusts based on its mounting position.
2Ease of operation
If push buttons are made accessible by removing the transmitter cover, then the LOI can be operated, but a hot permit is required if the transmitter is in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical push buttons that require cover removal with capacitive touch sensors integrated directly on the display surface. Operators can interact with the LOI through touch gestures on the sealed display, eliminating the need to open the transmitter cover and avoiding hot permit requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If infrared transceivers are used for LOI, then wireless communication is enabled, but current consumption is very high which is not suitable for two-wire process control instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses capacitive touch sensors that consume minimal current compared to infrared transceivers. These low-power touch sensors are integrated into the display and provide sufficient functionality for LOI operations within the limited current budget of two-wire process control instruments.
4Ease of operation
If magnetic switches are used to operate the LOI, then the interface can be actuated, but the buttons are not on or near the LCD screen requiring users to look away from the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display surface and the input interface by integrating capacitive touch sensors directly onto the display. The touch-sensitive areas are positioned at or near the displayed information, allowing operators to interact with the LOI while maintaining visual contact with the screen, eliminating the need to look away for button actuation.
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
This solution enables operators to adjust the display and LOI orientation without physically altering the transmitter's mounting, maintaining a sealed and functional interface, enhancing usability and safety in hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
The display circuit displays a visual output to an operator, wherein the display circuitry provides the visual output at one of a plurality of orientations
Implementation Method 2
The LOI circuitry has a plurality of touch-activated buttons for receiving input from an operator
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An industrial process transmitter includes a transducer positioned to interact with an industrial process, display circuitry that displays a visual output to an operator, and control circuitry. The display can be selectively modified to provide the visual output at one of a plurality of orientations. The control circuitry is connected to communicate with the transducer and the display circuitry and receive an input regarding the orientation of the industrial process transmitter. In response to received input regarding the orientation of the industrial process transmitter, the control circuitry provides instructions to the display circuitry to modify the orientation of the visual output.