Wireless Device Sensor and Wireless Unit Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless field devices face challenges such as the need for separate certification for each type of device, battery replacement that disrupts operations, and the inability to replace batteries during plant operation due to explosion-prevention standards.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device configuration that separates the sensor unit and wireless unit, allowing for local communication and power supply, enabling easy battery replacement while maintaining online functionality and reducing certification burdens through shared components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wireless field devices use a single power source (battery) for both sensor unit and wireless communication unit, then device structure is simplified, but battery replacement causes device to go offline and disrupt operations
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless field device is divided into two independent units: a sensor unit with its own power source that continues operating during battery replacement, and a wireless communication unit that is replaced along with the battery. This segmentation allows the sensor unit to remain online and functional while the wireless communication unit is being replaced, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and continuous operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless field devices require separate certification for each device type, then device functionality can be customized, but certification time and cost increase enormously
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication unit is designed as a universal module that can be paired with different sensor units. By certifying the wireless communication unit as a standalone component, it can be reused across multiple device types without requiring recertification, thereby reducing certification time and cost while maintaining the ability to customize device functionality through different sensor unit combinations.
3Ease of operation
If battery replacement is performed in explosion-prevention areas during plant operation, then maintenance can be done online, but explosion-prevention standards may be violated
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the sensor unit (which remains in the explosion-prevention area) from the wireless communication unit (which contains the battery), the system allows the wireless communication unit to be replaced outside the explosion-prevention area. The sensor unit continues to operate online during this replacement, enabling maintenance without violating explosion-prevention standards while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device may include a sensor unit and a wireless unit. The sensor unit may include: an input/output unit that measures or manipulating a state quantity in a process; a first local communication unit that performs local communication to transmit/receive measurement results or manipulation commands for the input/output unit; and a first supply unit that supplies power to the input/output unit and the first local communication unit. The wireless unit may include: a wireless communication unit that transmits/receives the measurement results or the manipulation commands for the input/output unit; a second local communication unit that performs local communication with the first local communication unit to transmit/receive the measurement results or the manipulation commands for the input/output unit; and a second supply unit that supplies power to the wireless communication unit and the second local communication unit.