Wireless Frequency Converter Remote Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current frequency converters require highly qualified personnel for operation and maintenance, leading to delays and inefficiencies due to downtime, which can disrupt critical applications such as desalination and ventilation systems.

Innovation Solution

A remote management system using short-range wireless connections between a mobile communications device and a frequency converter, allowing for parameter selection and control via a user interface, with data relayed to a service center for monitoring and maintenance, enabling remote operation and minimizing downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If highly qualified personnel are required for frequency converter operation and maintenance, then operational reliability is improved, but response time and productivity deteriorate due to delays in arrival and setup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency converter system performs self-diagnosis and self-monitoring through integrated sensors and control circuits that automatically detect faults, track operational parameters, and generate maintenance alerts without requiring human intervention for routine monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Physical presence of qualified personnel is replaced by wireless communication systems and remote diagnostics that transmit operational data and enable troubleshooting without on-site visits, substituting mechanical/human intervention with electronic communication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If highly qualified personnel are required for frequency converter operation and maintenance, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to specialized requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors its own operational status, detects anomalies, and provides diagnostic information, eliminating the need for specialized human expertise for routine monitoring and basic troubleshooting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A wireless communication interface acts as an intermediary between the frequency converter and external users, translating complex internal operational data into simplified status indicators and diagnostic information that do not require specialized knowledge to interpret

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If frequency converters experience downtime for maintenance and operation, then operational reliability is maintained through proper servicing, but productivity decreases due to stopped critical systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidsystem productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency converter enables continuous operation of critical systems by providing real-time monitoring and alert mechanisms that allow proactive maintenance scheduling, preventing unplanned downtime and ensuring uninterrupted operation of pumps, fans, and other essential equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary diagnostics and generates maintenance alerts before faults occur, allowing maintenance personnel to schedule service during non-critical periods and prevent downtime before it affects productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2824890B1Providing user interface of a frequency converter over a wireless connection
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP2824890B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2824890B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~5b

AI summary

There is provided a user interface of frequency converter over a wireless connection. The frequency converter is connected to a mobile communications device over a short range wireless connection. The mobile communications device is connected to a wide area network to a service center maintaining information associated with frequency converters. Operational information of the frequency converter is relayed to the service center over the wide area network as a view of the frequency converter user interface. The frequency converter is controlled by control commands from the mobile communications device, said control commands being determined on the basis of selections received from the service center, in response to the view conveyed to the service center.