Wireless Field Device Secondary Power Source Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wireless field devices lose functionality and data when their primary power source is removed, requiring shutdown and reconnection, which disrupts network operations and data transmission, and often lack accessible electrical terminals for diagnostics due to obstructed access.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a secondary power source, such as a rechargeable battery or capacitor, to maintain power during primary power source replacement and providing electrical access terminals by detecting the removal of the primary power source, allowing the device to enter a low power mode or sleep state, and using energy harvesting for supplemental power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a removable primary power source is used in wireless field devices, then the device can operate for extended periods without external connections, but the device loses functionality and data when the power source is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting power source removal and automatically transitioning to a backup power source before the device shuts down. This ensures continuous operation and prevents data loss by maintaining power supply during the transition period.
Solution Approach 2:
A backup power source acts as an intermediary between the primary removable power source and the device circuitry. When the primary power source is removed, the backup power source temporarily supplies power to maintain device functionality, allowing for smooth transition without interruption.
2Ease of repair
If the primary power source is removed for replacement, then the power source can be replaced, but network operations and data transmission are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by implementing a backup power source that activates when the primary power source is removed. This ensures that data transmission and network operations continue uninterrupted during power source replacement, eliminating downtime and maintaining productivity.
3Ease of operation
If electrical access terminals are provided for diagnostics, then diagnostics can be performed, but the terminals are obstructed and inaccessible when the primary power source is installed
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into functional modules with the electrical access terminals positioned in a separate accessible location from the primary power source compartment. This segmentation allows diagnostic terminals to be accessed independently without removing the primary power source, improving ease of operation while maintaining a manageable device structure.
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A wireless field device (102) for use in controlling or monitoring an industrial process (100), includes a process interface (110) configured to couple to a process fluid. Field device circuitry is coupled to the process interface (110) and configured to measure or control a process variable. Wireless communication circuitry (154) is configured to provide wireless communication. At least one electrical access terminal is configured to provide an electrical connection to circuitry of the field device. A power supply (160) is configured to power the wireless field device. The power supply (160) includes a removable primary power source (162) to provide power to the field device (102) for extended periods of time. A secondary power source (164) is configured to provide power to the field device (102) when the primary power source (162) is removed.