Wireless LPWAN Updating for Industrial Automation Equipment

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for updating industrial automation devices are cumbersome, requiring unpacking, connecting to an electrical network, updating via a control board, and repacking, or using memory sticks, which are inefficient and time-consuming, especially when updates are needed during transportation or at multiple sites.

Innovation Solution

An industrial automation device equipped with a self-powered low-consumption unit that connects wirelessly to a low-power wide area network for data reception and storage, allowing updates to be performed when connected to an electrical network, with a control unit that checks safety criteria before applying updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If updating is performed via control board connection, then updates can be applied, but the device must be unpacked and connected to electrical network, increasing complexity and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of updateVSAvoidupdate process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection method (control board connection requiring unpacking and electrical network connection) with a wireless communication system. The updating device transmits update data wirelessly to the industrial automation device, eliminating the need for physical unpacking and electrical connection during updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by allowing update data to be transmitted and stored in the storage unit before the device is actually deployed or before updates are needed. The device can receive updates during transportation or in advance, and then apply them when powered on, avoiding the need for unpacking and connection at the update moment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If updating is performed via control board connection, then updates can be applied, but unpacking and repacking are required, increasing time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate speedVSAvoidon-site update time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by allowing update data to be transmitted and stored in the storage unit before the device is actually deployed or before updates are needed. The device can receive updates during transportation or in advance, and then apply them when powered on, avoiding the need for unpacking and connection at the update moment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection method (control board connection requiring unpacking and electrical network connection) with a wireless communication system. The updating device transmits update data wirelessly to the industrial automation device, eliminating the need for physical unpacking and electrical connection during updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If memory sticks are used for updates, then updates can be transferred, but the process remains inefficient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of updateVSAvoidupdate time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical medium (memory sticks) with a wireless communication system. The updating device transmits update data wirelessly to the industrial automation device, eliminating the need for physical memory stick insertion and data copying, thereby reducing update time and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20230350393A1Updating an industrial automation device

Publication Date: 2023.11.02 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

To update an industrial automation device, the industrial automation device may comprise electronic part-powered unit for connecting wirelessly to a low-power wide area network, said electronic part-powered unit comprising first identification information in the low-power wide area network and being arranged at least to receive data addressed to the first identification information and store the data received. The industrial automation device may also comprise a control unit for updating, in response to connecting the industrial automation device to the electrical network, one or more features in the industrial automation device by the data received.