Automation Module Adapter for Concealed Diagnostics Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automation modules lack a maintenance and diagnostics interface that can be accessed without altering their external appearance, particularly posing challenges for safety-relevant systems where secure and concealed access is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A maintenance and diagnostics interface is integrated into the automation module using a first plug connector on the printed circuit board, with a detachable adapter featuring encoding pins that pass through the ventilation grid, providing guidance, protection, and encoding functions, allowing controlled access through a concealed interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a maintenance and diagnostics interface is added to the automation module, then accessibility for maintenance and diagnostics is improved, but the external appearance and integrity of the module is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance and diagnostics interface is nested within the existing ventilation grid structure. The adapter connects to the first plug connector behind the ventilation grid, allowing the interface to be accessed through the existing openings without creating additional external access points. This nesting approach maintains the module's external appearance while providing maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the external environment and the concealed first plug connector. The adapter has a second plug connector for external connection and connects to the first plug connector behind the ventilation grid, enabling maintenance access without exposing the internal interface.
2Reliability
If the maintenance interface is concealed behind the ventilation grid, then security and protection against unwanted access is improved, but accessibility for legitimate maintenance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a mediator that enables authorized access while maintaining security. It connects to the concealed first plug connector and provides a second plug connector for external connection, allowing legitimate maintenance personnel to access the interface without compromising the concealed and secure design.
Solution Approach 2:
The access mechanism is segmented into two parts: the concealed first plug connector behind the ventilation grid for security, and the external second plug connector on the adapter for accessibility. This segmentation allows the interface to be both secure and accessible depending on whether the adapter is attached.
3Ease of operation
If the adapter with pins is used to access the interface, then guidance and correct positioning is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter performs multiple functions: it provides the second plug connector for external connection, guides the connection through the ventilation grid openings, ensures correct positioning, and protects the contacts. By combining these functions into a single component, the overall system complexity is managed despite the added functionality.
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
The solution enables secure, concealed access to maintenance and diagnostics functions, ensuring safety-relevant systems can be properly diagnosed and maintained without compromising their external appearance or integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the lower and top sides are formed at least partially as a ventilation grid to enable convection cooling in the interior of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An automation module includes a housing that has a front and rear sides, top and lower sides and a left and right sides, wherein a printed circuit board is arranged within the housing parallel between the left and right sides of the housing, the lower and top sides are formed at least as a ventilation grid to enable cooling inside the housing, where a first plug connector is arranged on the printed circuit board proximate to the top side, an adapter is detachably arranged on the top side, where the adapter has a second plug connector and forms an encoding element such that the adapter includes pins arranged such that, during an insertion-withdrawal operation of the second plug connector into the first plug connector, the pins pass through openings in the ventilation grid and an insertion-withdrawal operation of the second plug connector into the first plug connector is therefore possible.