Bidirectional Bus Topology for Multi-Row Serial Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing serial network configurations require a single directional orientation at each node device, leading to increased length and space requirements when connecting multiple rows of devices, as the network must double back to accommodate additional rows.

Innovation Solution

A bidirectional bus topology apparatus and method that configures select line connections dynamically at each node device, allowing the network to connect in multiple directions by switching between input and output lines based on selection events, utilizing a bus direction module with hardware and executable code to manage select line connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single directional orientation is used at each node device, then the network configuration is simple, but the network length and space requirements increase when connecting multiple rows of devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork configuration complexityVSAvoidnetwork length
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic direction control at each node device, where the select line connections can be configured to different orientations (left-to-right, right-to-left, top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top) based on network requirements. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the network to adapt its topology, reducing the need for network doubling back when connecting multiple rows of devices, thereby reducing overall network length and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single directional orientation is used at each node device, then the connection topology is fixed, but the space requirements increase when connecting multiple rows

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection direction flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork space requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The node device incorporates a direction control mechanism that dynamically configures select line connections to different orientations based on network requirements. This allows the network to connect multiple rows of devices in various directions (left-to-right, right-to-left, top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top) without requiring excessive space, as the network can efficiently route connections without doubling back.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Each node device is designed with universal select line connections that can function in multiple directional orientations. The same physical connection infrastructure can serve different routing purposes by reconfiguring the direction control, making the network space-utilization more efficient when connecting multiple rows of devices without requiring dedicated infrastructure for each direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the network doubles back to accommodate additional rows, then all node devices can be connected, but the network length and material requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork expandabilityVSAvoidmaterial effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic direction control at each node device, allowing the select line connections to be configured in different orientations (left-to-right, right-to-left, top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top). This dynamic reconfigurability enables the network to expand to multiple rows without requiring the network to double back, as each node can independently adjust its connection direction. This reduces the overall network length and material requirements while maintaining full connectivity across all node devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3968169B1Bi-directional bus topology
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECH INC
  • EP3968169B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3968169B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3968169B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

For a bi-directional bus topology, a node connection includes two select line connections for a select line of a serial network. The select line is broken at the node connection. A bus direction module configures a first select line connection for an input line and a second select line connection for an output line in response to detecting a selection event. At least a portion of the bus direction module includes one or more of hardware and executable code, the executable code stored on a memory.