Automation Component Keying System for I/O Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Keying bases in automation systems are time-consuming to configure and often permanent, requiring changes when upgrading or replacing I/O modules, and existing keying systems do not allow for easy automatic keying or resetting without tools.
Innovation Solution
A keying system with a locking assembly featuring movable lock pins and a blocking member, actuated by a key with engaging surfaces, which automatically sets the lock pins to keyed positions upon first insertion and can be reset to an unkeyed configuration without tools, ensuring only compatible I/O modules can be mounted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a keying base is configured to physically receive only a specific key, then compatibility control is improved, but configuration time increases and the system becomes permanent once set
Solution Approach 1:
The keying system employs movable lock pins that can transition between blocked and unblocked states, allowing the terminal base to dynamically change from a keyed to an unkeyed configuration. This dynamic mechanism enables the base to adapt between different operational states without permanent modification, resolving the contradiction between reliable compatibility control and flexible reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state parameter of the lock pins from blocked to unblocked through the actuation of the blocking member. This parameter change allows the terminal base to switch between keyed and unkeyed configurations, enabling both strict compatibility control when needed and easy reconfiguration when upgrades or replacements are required.
2Reliability
If a keying base is configured to physically receive only a specific key, then compatibility control is improved, but the system becomes permanent once set
Solution Approach 1:
The movable lock pins and blocking member create a dynamic system that can transition between keyed and unkeyed states. This allows the terminal base to maintain strict compatibility control when in keyed mode while also providing the adaptability to be reconfigured for different I/O modules when in unkeyed mode, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal base is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in both keyed mode (for strict compatibility control) and unkeyed mode (for universal acceptance of different modules). The locking assembly with movable lock pins and blocking member enables this dual functionality, allowing the same base to serve both purposes throughout its operational life.
3Ease of operation
If lock pins are made movable between blocked and unblocked positions, then reconfiguration ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: multiple lock pins, a blocking member, and a maintaining member. Each component has a specific function, and their modular arrangement allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance. The segmentation enables the complex function of reconfiguration to be achieved through simple, well-defined parts working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintaining member automatically maintains the blocking member in the blocking position once actuated, eliminating the need for continuous actuation or complex control mechanisms. The system uses the insertion force of the I/O module itself to actuate the blocking member, and the maintaining member ensures the state is preserved without additional power or control systems, reducing overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easy and secure mounting of compatible I/O modules while allowing for effortless upgrading and replacement, reducing configuration time and eliminating the need for tool-assisted resets.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking member that, in operation, is actuated to interface with the locking structures to block each of the lock pins in the respective first or second position
Implementation Method 2
a maintaining member that, in operation, contacts the blocking member to maintain the blocking member in a blocking position in which each of the lock pins is blocked
Implementation Method 3
Each lock pins can be displaced between the respective first and second positions by the key that has engaging surfaces that contact the lock pins to define keyed positions of the lock pins
Implementation Method 4
The blocking member blocks the lock pins in their keyed positions and the maintaining member maintains the blocking member in the blocking position thereby blocking mounting of other I/O modules not having the key
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure regards a self-keying system for an input/output (I/O) device. An I/O module mountable on a terminal base exchanges I/O signals with external devices via the terminal base. The I/O module comprises a key, and the terminal base comprises a locking assembly to allow insertion of only compatible I/O modules into the terminal base. The locking assembly comprises parallel slots containing a plurality of lock pins movable in the slots between a biased position and a second position. A blocking member is actuated by the key to block each of the lock pins in their respective position to key the base. A maintaining member maintains the blocking member in the keyed position. After keying, a non-compatible key would be rejected from the locking assembly due to the blocked lock pins. A reset to the unkeyed configuration may be accomplished without the use of tools by actuating the maintaining member.