Wireless Configurable Isolator Eliminates Physical Cables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing universal isolator devices require physical connections for configuration, which are specific, prone to loss or damage, and cause EMC issues, necessitating powered states and disruptive reconfiguration processes.

Innovation Solution

A wireless-configurable isolator device with RFID or near-field communication capabilities for remote configuration and data transmission, allowing configuration in any state, including powered or unpowered, and enabling remote checking of configuration states using widely available communication devices like smartphones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical connections (serial lines or plug-in devices) are used for configuration, then the isolator device can be configured, but the configuration process becomes complex and prone to loss or damage of cables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration reliabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (cables, connectors, plug-in devices) with a wireless communication system. The configuration unit communicates with the isolator device through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and their associated problems of loss, damage, and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (wireless transmission medium) between the configuration unit and the isolator device. This intermediary enables configuration data transfer without direct physical contact, simplifying the configuration process and improving reliability by removing vulnerable cable connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If physical connections are used for configuration, then the isolator can be configured, but EMC issues arise requiring the operative to ground themselves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration easeVSAvoidEMC issues

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system with a wireless electromagnetic communication system. This substitution eliminates the EMC ground loop issues that arise from physical cable connections, as wireless communication does not require galvanic contact between the configuration unit and the isolator device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of time

If the isolator remains in powered state during configuration, then configuration can proceed, but disruption to system operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration timeVSAvoidsystem operational continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless configuration system enables the isolator to be configured without requiring it to be in a powered state. The configuration data can be transmitted and stored in non-volatile memory, allowing the device to be configured during assembly, testing, or field installation without interrupting system operation or requiring the device to remain powered throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If switches are employed for reconfiguration selection, then functionality can be selected, but the reconfiguration process becomes disruptive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality selectionVSAvoidreconfiguration ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical switch-based selection system with a wireless digital communication system. Configuration parameters and functionality selections are transmitted as digital data through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical switch manipulation and making the reconfiguration process non-disruptive and easier to perform.

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 flexible, efficient, and cost-effective configuration and monitoring of isolator devices, reducing disruption and EMC concerns, allowing configuration and inspection without physical contact and at any time, including during assembly, testing, and in-field use.

Implementation Method 1

wherein the isolator device comprises a light emitting diode, LED, arranged to indicate a selection of the isolator device for wireless configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

US 2015/099464 A1 discloses a switching device and a method of controlling a switching device... the communication module configured to communicate with the external device using a near field communication signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3420622B1Electronic device configuration

Publication Date: 2023.07.19 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

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AI summary

The present invention provides for an electronic functional device such as an isolator and arranged to offer configurable functionality for alteration of the function of the device, the device including wireless reception means for receiving wireless configuration data for the selective configuration of the device, and can also include wireless transmission means for the wireless transmission of data identifying its configured state.