Structural distribution unit for the modular organization of systemic pathways in overall technical systems

Abstract

Structural distribution unit for use in a complete technical system, characterized by, that the structural distribution unit has an independent, physically formed modular structure, which forwards at least one incoming systemic path via a defined internal distribution structure to several outgoing path segments, the module structure comprises a plurality of spatially, electrically or logically separated connection areas, to which the path segments are uniquely assigned, and wherein the structural distribution unit is designed in such a way, that it structurally enables the continuation of the path segments, without requiring an active switching, control, regulation, evaluation or communication function for this continuation.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a structural distribution unit for use in a technical overall system, in particular in modular system architectures in which energy, data, signal and / or diagnostic paths are guided, divided, combined or forwarded within an overall system. State of the art

[0002] In numerous technical systems, regardless of industry or specific application, there is a need to distribute individual paths—for example, for power supply, data transmission, or diagnostics—from a higher-level system point to several downstream system areas, zones, or segments. The state of the art typically provides functionally bound distribution devices for this purpose, such as junction boxes, distribution cabinets, or intelligent distribution nodes. These established solutions are regularly limited to a specific function, such as electrical power distribution, signal processing, or control, and often feature integrated active functions. Furthermore, they are usually not designed as independent, repeatable architectural components, but rather as application-specific products within a particular system.

[0003] Furthermore, zonal or segmented system architectures are known from the prior art, in which the division of an overall system into areas or zones occurs at a conceptual level. However, the distribution and node solutions used for this purpose remain functionally defined and do not form an independent structural unit that can be used as a neutral system component regardless of the specific function. Object of the invention

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a distribution unit that is not designed as a function-bound distribution device, but rather serves as an independent, physically formed structural component within a complete technical system. The distribution unit is not intended to functionally process or control systemic paths, but rather to structurally organize them and prepare them for modular continuation. In particular, a clear, defined, and verifiable structure is to be provided to which different path segments can be attached in an orderly manner, without requiring any active switching, control, regulation, evaluation, or communication function. Solution to the task

[0005] This task is solved by a structural distribution unit, which is physically designed as an independent modular structure and has an internal distribution structure. At least one incoming systemic path is routed via this internal distribution structure to several outgoing path segments. The internal distribution structure is designed to comprise a plurality of distinct connection areas, to which the outgoing path segments are uniquely assigned. The connection areas can be defined spatially, electrically, and / or by contact or wiring.

[0006] The structural distribution unit is designed to structurally enable the continuation of the path segments without requiring any active function. The organization, division, and allocation of the paths result from the structural design of the distribution unit itself, particularly from the arrangement of the connection areas, the internal distribution structure, and the provided interfaces. The invention thus differs fundamentally from known distributors where the distribution function is defined either by active components or by a purely functional purpose. Embodiments of the invention

[0007] The connection areas of the structural distribution unit can be port-based, with each connection point assigned to a specific path segment. In a preferred embodiment, the connection areas are grouped together, each group serving to extend a specific path type. Suitable path types include, in particular, energy paths, data paths, signal paths, diagnostic paths, or any combination thereof. The assignment of the path segments to the connection areas is achieved through the geometric arrangement, the contact arrangement, and / or the structural separation of the connection areas and is independent of any active control.

[0008] Furthermore, the structural distribution unit can have a modular interface structure to which additional modules can be detachably connected. These additional modules can be, for example, functional modules for power distribution, data processing, diagnostics, measurement, or safety. The modular interface structure is preferably designed such that the exchange or addition of further modules is possible without having to change the internal distribution structure of the structural distribution unit. The structural distribution unit thus acts as a supporting and preparatory building block for further modules without defining or adopting their respective functional logic.

[0009] Optional active functions may be present, but are not required for the distribution function of the structural distribution unit. Such active functions are preferably implemented in separate modules, distinct from the structural distribution unit. The structural distribution unit itself thus remains functionally neutral in its basic function with regard to path processing and fulfills its task solely through its physical and structural design. Advantages of the invention

[0010] The structural distribution unit is designed as a repeatable modular component that can be used at different levels of a complete technical system. These levels can include, for example, spatial areas, functional zones, system segments, or combinations thereof. The repeatability and interchangeability of the structural distribution unit allow a complete technical system to be built, expanded, or adapted modularly without requiring fundamental changes to existing pathways.

[0011] A key technical advantage of the invention lies in the clear separation it enables between the structural organization and functional processing of pathways. The invention thus creates an independent architectural building block that can be used regardless of specific performance levels, transmission protocols, or applications, and which forms the basis for a systematic, modular, and scalable system architecture.

Claims

[1] Structural distribution unit for use in a technical overall system, characterized by , that the structural distribution unit has an independent, physically formed modular structure, which forwards at least one incoming systemic path via a defined internal distribution structure to several outgoing path segments, the module structure comprises a plurality of spatially, electrically or logically separated connection areas, to which the path segments are uniquely assigned, and wherein the structural distribution unit is designed in such a way, that it structurally enables the continuation of the path segments, without requiring an active switching, control, regulation, evaluation or communication function for this continuation. [2] Structural distribution unit according to claim 1, characterized by , that the internal distribution structure is designed as a port-based structure with a defined number of connection points, where each connection point is assigned to a path segment. [3] Structural distribution unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connection areas are grouped together, where each group serves to continue a specific path type. [4] Structural distribution unit according to claim 3, characterized by that the path types include power paths, data paths, signal paths, diagnostic paths, or any combination thereof. [5] Structural distribution unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the assignment of the path segments to the connection areas is determined by the geometric arrangement, the contact arrangement or the structural separation of the connection areas. [6] Structural distribution unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the structural distribution unit has a modular interface structure, via which further modules can be connected. [7] Structural distribution unit according to claim 6, characterized by , that the modular interface structure is designed in such a way, that it is possible to exchange or add further modules, without having to change the internal distribution structure of the structural distribution unit. [8] Structural distribution unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the structural distribution unit does not include an active functional unit necessary for the distribution function. [9] Structural distribution unit according to claim 8, characterized by, that optional active functions are implemented exclusively in further modules separate from the structural distribution unit. [10] Structural distribution unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the structural distribution unit is designed as a repeatable modular building block that can be used in different levels of a technical overall system. [11] Structural distribution unit according to claim 10, characterized by that the levels comprise spatial areas, functional zones, system segments or combinations thereof. [12] Structural distribution unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the structural distribution unit is arranged interchangeably within the overall technical system. [13] Structural distribution unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the structural distribution unit can be used independently of a specific performance level, a particular transmission protocol or a specific application. [14] Structural distribution unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the structural distribution unit structurally supports or incorporates other modules without specifying their respective functional logic. [15] Structural distribution unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the structural distribution unit is designed as an independent module, whose technical contribution lies in the structural organization and preparation of path continuations within the overall technical system.