Wireless Adapter for Process Control Field Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional process control systems lack wireless capabilities for field devices, limiting their ability to communicate and operate effectively in wireless environments.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a wireless adapter within the process control system, utilizing a field device with terminals and conduits connected via wires to enable wireless communication, allowing field devices to operate and communicate wirelessly through a wireless network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless adapter is integrated into the process control system, then wireless communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless adapter is introduced as an intermediary device that couples to the field device and provides wireless communication functionality. The adapter acts as a mediator between the wired field device and wireless network, enabling wireless capability without modifying the original field device's core functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless adapter is designed to work with multiple types of field devices and communication protocols, providing universal wireless connectivity. The adapter can be integrated into existing two-wire systems while supporting various wireless communication standards, making the system adaptable to different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If wireless communication is implemented for field devices, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless adapter serves as a reliable intermediary that maintains the stability of existing wired connections while adding wireless functionality. By keeping the original two-wire connection intact and adding wireless capability through the adapter, the system preserves proven reliable communication paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system design anticipates potential wireless communication issues by maintaining the original wired connection as a backup. The adapter allows the system to cushion against wireless reliability concerns by preserving the stable wired interface for critical communications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9709968B2Pass-through connection systems and methods for process control field devices

Publication Date: 2017.07.18 PEPPERL & FUCHS GMBH

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided to connect wireless adapters and field devices for process control systems, such systems and methods include a process control system having a field device, a wireless adapter, a first wire and a second wire. The field device includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a first conduit and a second conduit. The wireless adapter includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a first port and a second port. The first conduit of the field device couples to the second port of the wireless adapter. The first wire passes between the field device and the wireless adapter connecting the first terminal of the field device to the first terminal of the wireless adapter. The second wire passes between the field device and the wireless adapter connecting the second terminal of the field device to the second terminal of the wireless adapter. Other systems and methods are also provided.