Wireless Fieldbus Controller Interface for Remote I/O Commissioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fieldbus controller systems require physical access for configuration, monitoring, and control, limiting remote and wireless operation capabilities, especially during the commissioning phase of industrial factory networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus enabling remote and wireless configuration, monitoring, and control of fieldbus controllers through a user interface accessible on portable devices, allowing operators to configure I/O modules, read status information, and control valve assemblies connected to fieldbus controllers via wireless communication, such as Bluetooth or Ethernet connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a remote display device is used for the user interface, then an operator can view diagnostic and service information remotely, but the device cannot transmit configuration data wirelessly or facilitate configuration or control of the fieldbus controller

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote monitoring capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration and control functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The portable electronic device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a remote display device for viewing diagnostic information and as a configuration device for transmitting configuration data and controlling the fieldbus controller. The device includes both display capabilities and input interfaces (such as a keyboard or touchscreen) that enable it to function as a universal interface for monitoring, configuring, and controlling the fieldbus controller wirelessly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an operator accesses the user interface physically connected to the fieldbus controller, then configuration and control functions can be performed, but the operator must have physical access to the controller which may be hard-to-reach

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration and control functionalityVSAvoidphysical access requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical connection system with a wireless communication system. Instead of requiring physical access to the fieldbus controller through wired connections, the portable electronic device communicates with the controller wirelessly using wireless communication protocols, thereby eliminating the need for physical access to the controller's location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The portable electronic device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the fieldbus controller. It wirelessly transmits configuration data and control commands to the controller and wirelessly receives diagnostic information from the controller, serving as a mobile interface that bridges the gap between the operator and the remotely located controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the entire control network is installed before configuration and monitoring, then all devices are connected and ready, but commissioning cannot begin until the complete network installation is finished

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connection completenessVSAvoidcommissioning delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary configuration and monitoring actions to be performed on the fieldbus controller before the complete control network is installed and connected. The portable electronic device allows operators to configure I/O modules, view diagnostic information, and prepare the controller for operation independently of the rest of the network, thereby advancing the commissioning process before full network integration is complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11275359B2Fieldbus controller interface including configuration, monitoring and controlling functionalities

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 PARKER HANNIFIN CORP

AI summary

A method for operating a fieldbus controller (2) having a plurality of I/O modules (4) is provided, the fieldbus controller (2) being coupled to a valve assembly (6) via the plurality of I/O modules (4). The method includes providing a user interface (8) for wirelessly operating the fieldbus controller (2), wherein providing the user interface (8) includes: providing a configuration interface (14) for configuring an operating mode of the plurality of I/O modules (4); providing a monitor interface (16) for reading status information from the plurality of I/O modules (4); and providing a control interface (18) for controlling a state of the plurality of I/O modules (4), the state of the plurality of I/O modules affecting a state of the valve assembly (6).