Wireless Adapter for Analog Measurement Device Digital Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial operations using Pneumatic and Analog measurement devices face challenges in digitally communicating with measurement control and data acquisition systems without requiring replacement or major overhaul, leading to underutilization of available device diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A Smart Wireless Adapter that electrically and mechanically couples to Pneumatic or Analog measurement devices, converting their signals into a form suitable for wireless communication with measurement control and data acquisition systems, leveraging protocols like Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, WiFi, and Cellular for seamless integration and enabling bi-directional communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Pneumatic or Analog measurement devices are used in industrial operations, then device simplicity and ease of operation are maintained, but digital communication capability and diagnostic utilization are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless adapter as an intermediary device that couples between the Analog measurement device and the control system. This adapter receives analog signals from the device, converts them to digital format, and transmits them wirelessly to the control system, thereby enabling diagnostic information flow without modifying the original Analog device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional wired mechanical connection system with a wireless communication system. The wireless adapter converts analog signals to digital wireless transmissions, eliminating the need for physical wiring between the measurement device and control system, thus enabling digital communication while maintaining ease of device operation
2Loss of information
If digital Smart measurement devices are used, then digital communication and diagnostic capabilities are achieved, but device replacement cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the digital communication functionality into a separate wireless adapter module rather than integrating it into the original Analog device. This allows the Analog device to remain simple while the adapter handles all digital communication and diagnostic functions, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless adapter serves multiple functions: it converts analog signals to digital, provides wireless communication capability, and enables diagnostic information extraction and transmission. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components, reducing system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is implemented between measurement devices and control systems, then digital integration and diagnostic utilization are improved, but device complexity and communication protocol requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless adapter acts as a protocol intermediary that handles complex communication protocol requirements. It manages the conversion between analog signals and digital wireless protocols, shielding the simple Analog measurement device from protocol complexity while enabling full digital integration capability
Data Source
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AI summary
Smart Wireless Adapters are provided herein for establishing communication between measurement devices and a measurement control and data acquisition system in an industrial system. In one aspect, a method of establishing communication between a Pneumatic or Analog measurement device and the measurement control and data acquisition system includes providing a Pneumatic or Analog measurement device and providing a Smart Wireless Adapter capable of electrically and mechanically coupling to the Pneumatic or Analog measurement device. The Pneumatic or Analog measurement device is configured to measure one or more parameters in the industrial system and provide a value or signal indicative of the measured parameters at an output of the Pneumatic or Analog measurement device. Additionally, the Smart Wireless Adapter is coupled to receive the value or signal from the Pneumatic or Analog measurement device and configured to wirelessly transmit data indicative of the value or signal to the measurement control and data acquisition system.