Modular connection unit for technical systems

Abstract

Modular connection unit for the detachable functional coupling of at least two technical modules within a technical system, characterized by that the connection unit is designed as an independent module and provides an architecture-defined interface, via which at least energy and data are transferred between the coupled modules, wherein the connecting unit is designed independently of a central support plane, a backplane, a midplane, a chassis or a housing and enables the coupling of the modules in a topology-open manner without a predefined spatial arrangement.

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a modular connection unit for the detachable functional coupling of technical modules within technical systems.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to an architecture-defined connection unit designed as an independent module for the transmission of energy and data between functional modules. This connection unit is applicable across industries and is independent of a central support plane, backplane, midplane, chassis, or predefined housing structure. 2. State of the art

[0003] In a wide variety of technical systems, functional modules are coupled together using different connection solutions. The current state of the art can essentially be divided into several categories.

[0004] A first category concerns connector-based solutions. These employ mechanical-electrical connectors with defined contact arrangements, mating faces, and housings. However, such connectors are merely components and are not designed as independent system modules. The function of the connection is limited to its component nature, while the system architecture is defined independently. Furthermore, such connectors are typically limited to specific coupling mechanisms and can easily be circumvented by alternative coupling methods.

[0005] Another category concerns modular systems with central support levels, such as backplanes, midplanes, or chassis structures. In such systems, modules are interconnected via a central infrastructure that defines a fixed spatial topology and performs distribution or collection functions. These solutions are not topology-open, not readily scalable, and do not represent interchangeable modules, but rather a permanent system infrastructure.

[0006] In addition, device ports, bus systems, and purely logical or software-based interfaces are known. These either address only the communication level or are tied to specific devices, protocols, or control systems. A physical connection unit that transmits energy and data across modules and is itself designed as an interchangeable module of the system architecture is not known from the prior art. 3. Technical Task

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a connection solution that enables the detachable coupling of technical modules and the transfer of energy and data between them. The connection solution should not be tied to a specific coupling mechanism, should not rely on plug connectors, slots, or housings, and should not require a central support level. Furthermore, it should be topology-open, applicable across industries, and designed to be largely tamper-proof.

[0008] At the same time, the connection solution should not merely be designed as a component, but as a systemically effective module that plays a clear architectural role within technical systems. 4. Solution to the task

[0009] This problem is solved by a modular connecting unit according to claim 1.

[0010] The connection unit according to the invention is designed as an independent module and provides an architecture-defined interface via which at least two technical modules are functionally coupled. At least energy and data are transmitted between the coupled modules via the connection unit.

[0011] The connection unit is designed independently of a central support plane, backplane, midplane, chassis, or housing structure. The modules are coupled in a topology-open manner, meaning without a predefined spatial arrangement or fixed geometric system structure. 5. Nature of the invention

[0012] The main idea of ​​the invention is to define the connection itself as an independent module of the system architecture.

[0013] In contrast to known solutions where the connection is designed either as a mere component or as part of a central infrastructure, the connection unit according to the invention represents an interchangeable, system-neutral module that is architecture-defined and exists functionally on an equal footing with other modules of the system.

[0014] The connection unit does not perform a central distribution, collection, or control function, but serves solely for the functional coupling of modules within the system. The term "module" here is to be understood functionally and does not exclude integrated, semi-integrated, or combined configurations of the connection unit, provided that the connection unit fulfills its architectural function within the system. 6. Coupling mechanisms

[0015] The modules can be coupled via the connection unit in various ways, without being limited to any one method. The coupling can be mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, optical, contactless, magnetic, inductive, capacitive, or through hybrid combinations of these mechanisms.

[0016] No plugging or slot-bound installation is required for this. 7. Functional Paths

[0017] The connection unit provides at least one power path to supply the coupled modules and one data path to transmit communication or control information.

[0018] Additionally, the connection unit can provide further functional paths, particularly for diagnostics, identification, status transmission, or condition monitoring of the coupled modules. These additional functional paths are optional and not mandatory. 8. System integration

[0019] The connection unit can be part of a modular system architecture in which several functional modules are coupled together via architecture-wide standardized connection units. The system architecture can be designed as a distributed, zoned, or scalable system.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the system architecture can be a Universal Core Architecture or an architecture derived from or functionally equivalent to it, without this being essential for the invention. 9. Differentiation from the state of the art

[0021] The connection unit according to the invention is not a backplane, a midplane, a central support plane, a slot or chassis structure, a device or module receptacle, a connector component solution, or a bus or software interface.

[0022] Furthermore, the connection unit is not a working, sensor or actuator module, but solely a connection unit with an architectural function. 10. Advantages of the invention

[0023] The invention enables a high level of security against bypassing due to the architecture-defined design of the connection unit. It can be used across industries, is topology-open and scalable, and allows for the exchange or expansion of modules without modifying the rest of the system structure. Central infrastructure elements are avoided, thereby simplifying and increasing the flexibility of the system architecture. 11. Examples of Implementation

[0024] The connection unit can be used in various technical systems, for example in energy distribution systems, communication and data systems, industrial plants, vehicle or transport systems, building or infrastructure systems, as well as in medical technology or safety-critical systems.

[0025] The specific design of the connecting unit can vary depending on the application, without departing from the inventive concept.

Claims

[1] Modular connection unit for the detachable functional coupling of at least two technical modules within a technical system, characterized by , that the connection unit is designed as an independent module and provides an architecture-defined interface, via which at least energy and data are transferred between the coupled modules, wherein the connecting unit is designed independently of a central support plane, a backplane, a midplane, a chassis or a housing and enables the coupling of the modules in a topology-open manner without a predefined spatial arrangement. [2] Connecting unit according to claim 1, characterized by that, in addition to energy and data transmission, the connection unit provides at least one further functional path for the diagnosis, identification or status transmission of a coupled module. [3] Connecting unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connection unit enables the detachable coupling of the modules without requiring a plugging process, a plug connection or a slot-bound receptacle. [4] Connecting unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the coupling of the modules via the connecting unit is achieved by means of mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, optical, contactless, magnetic, inductive, capacitive or hybrid coupling mechanisms. [5] Connecting unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting unit is designed in such a way that it can be used across modules in different technical systems, industries or application areas. [6] Connecting unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the connection unit is designed as an interchangeable module, without itself representing a function-determining working, sensor or actuator module. [7] Connecting unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connection unit enables the interchangeability of the coupled modules without requiring any adjustment of the rest of the system structure. [8] Connecting unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connection unit is part of a higher-level modular system architecture, which couples several functional modules via architecture-wide uniform connection units. [9] Connecting unit according to claim 8, characterized by that the modular system architecture represents a Universal Core Architecture or an architecture derived from or functionally equivalent to it. [10] Connecting unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the connection unit does not assume a central distribution, collection or control function for the overall system. [11] Connecting unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that multiple connection units within a system are arranged in parallel, cascaded or distributed configurations. [12] Connecting unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connecting unit can be used independently of the physical design of the coupled modules. [13] Technical system comprising at least two functional modules and at least one connecting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the modules are detachably coupled to each other via the connecting unit. [14] System according to claim 13, characterized by that the system is designed as a distributed, zoned, or scalable system. [15] System according to claim 13 or 14, characterized bythat the system operates without a central backplane, midplane, slot or chassis structure. [16] Use of a connecting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12 to enable the interchangeability, expandability or migration of modules within a technical system.